Government Reverses Ban on Roadside Sugarcane Weighbridges After Stakeholder Meeting

The Ugandan government has backed away from its plan to ban roadside sugarcane weighbridges following strong pushback from farmers and industry players. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja had ordered the shutdown in a March 17 letter, citing theft and middlemen issues, but a stakeholder meeting on March 31 changed course.

Chaired by State Minister for Trade David Bahati, the gathering included farmers, millers, and officials who argued that these weighbridges are vital for transparent trade. UNASGO Chairperson Julius Katerevu confirmed the group agreed to keep them operational under tighter controls, including calibration, oversight by URA and UNBS, and better coordination.

“They are necessary for trade but need proper management to avoid irregularities,” Katerevu stated. Farmers like Isa Budhugo and Peterson Mubiru criticized the original ban as rushed and unlawful, highlighting benefits such as quick payments, reduced transport costs, and local jobs. Godfrey Biriwali and Godfrey Naitema emphasized their role in verifying weights and easing factory backlogs.

Not all agreed; farmer Musa Kabugo backed the ban due to inaccurate scales and called for UNBS calibration of all weighbridges. UNBS’s Sylvia Kirabo noted ongoing efforts under the Weight and Measures Act. Busoga, Uganda’s top sugarcane area, now has 19 such sites, up from mill-only setups that favored middlemen.

This resolution builds on a prior 2025 ban attempt, prioritizing regulation over prohibition.

Source: Daily Monitor