news 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Masindi Sugarcane Farmers Protest Weighbridge Closures and Relocation
Farmers in Masindi District are voicing frustration over the government's removal of roadside sugarcane weighbridges, which they say has stranded their harvest and spiked transport costs to factories. Officials justify the move as a way to curb illegal trade and cane theft in the Bunyoro region. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/masindi-farmers-speak-out-on-weighbridge-relocation-5397134
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives recently ordered the shutdown of several roadside sugarcane weighbridges in Masindi District to tackle illegal trade and theft in the Bunyoro Sub-region. This decision received support from the Masindi District Council on March 3, with plans to shift the facilities away from prime growing areas per sugar industry regulations.
Authorities, in collaboration with security forces, closed sites like Katuugo, Rukondwa, Kihande, and Mirya. While officials view these spots as hubs for illicit activities, local farmers report severe disruptions, with harvested cane rotting in fields due to lack of nearby buyers.
One key facility at Mile Two in Kihande Cell, set up in 2022 by the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union Ltd, allowed growers to weigh their produce accurately before sales, countering factory cheating. Farmers paid modest fees of Shs25,000 to Shs50,000 per truck.
John Mwesigwa from Bikonzi Sub-county shared that the weighbridge enabled same-day payments from waiting buyers. Now, he faces transport costs of Shs300,000 to Shs600,000 per trip to factories. Smallholders like Sampo Atuganyira in Nyangahya Division note fewer brokers mean less price competition and higher risks of crop loss.
The Trade Ministry insists the changes will regulate the sector and safeguard factory supplies. Masindi District chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga emphasized cutting out middlemen who resell cane, depriving farmers of factory bonuses. New rules mandate labeled vehicles for cane transport and ban tuk-tuks, boda bodas, and pickups tied to illegal dealings.
These steps follow consultations by State Minister for Trade Gen Wilson Mbadi with millers and cooperative leaders in February, leading to relocation recommendations.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)