Sugarcane farmers and local leaders in Masindi district have said the recent temporary closure of roadside weighbridges is already yielding results, and are now pushing for their permanent relocation from sugarcane growing zones.
On February 13, the ministry of Trade ordered the closure of roadside weighbridges in Masindi over alleged theft and extortion. During a consultative meeting chaired by resident district commissioner Darius Nandinda at Kabalega Resort, stakeholders, including millers, farmer cooperatives and local leaders, said incidents of cane theft have significantly declined since the temporary shutdown.
Masindi municipality mayor Ronald Kyomuhendo, who is also a commercial sugarcane farmer, told the meeting that weighbridges operating within active cane fields had inadvertently created ready markets for stolen produce.
“Since the closure of the roadside weighbridges, cases of sugarcane theft have significantly reduced because sugarcane thieves don’t have a market where to easily sell stolen sugarcane,” he said.
Authorities added that cane trade has continued uninterrupted despite the closures, dismissing claims that the shutdown had paralysed business. They accused middlemen who benefit from cane theft of attempting to mislead the public about the impact of the decision.
Middlemen and market distortions
District chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga attributed much of the tension in the sector to middlemen operating weighbridges without clear factory affiliation or verified farmer registers.
“The middlemen and dealers at weighbridges reduce the money which the farmer is supposed to receive. If factories knew their farmers, they wouldn’t need middlemen to buy sugarcane. Why can’t they buy directly from a farmer?” Byaruhanga asked.
He called for strict enforcement of Section 26 of the Sugar Regulations, which requires that sugarcane be weighed at licensed premises.
Byaruhanga proposed relocating weighbridges outside the main sugarcane production belt, particularly along the Kampala highway beyond River Kafu, arguing that this would limit theft while still allowing non-contracted farmers to seek competitive prices.
Millers back relocation
Kinyara Sugar Ltd expressed support for relocating weighbridges away from operational cane-growing areas.
“We welcome a relocation of roadside weighbridges outside the sugarcane operation area, if possible after River Kafu on Kampala highway, so that thefts associated with roadside weighbridges being located inside the sugarcane operation area are minimized,” said Francis Mugerwa, Kinyara’s public relations officer.
Mugerwa emphasised the need for clear guidelines that protect both farmers and millers, particularly companies investing in outgrower schemes and community development initiatives.
Victoria Sugar Ltd, through its operations officer Nasif Ismail, called for dialogue among millers to reach a sustainable solution.
However, the leadership of the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative Union advocated for reopening the weighbridges under stricter regulatory oversight, including the formation of a supervisory committee.
Decision pending
Nandinda ruled that the status quo will remain, with roadside weighbridges staying closed as the district security committee continues consultations with company managers and directors.
A report will be submitted to the trade minister and President Yoweri Museveni to guide the final decision.
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