By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MASINDI
Sugarcane farmers under the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union have petitioned the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom over what they describe as the forceful removal and vandalism of privately established weighbridges in Masindi District.
In a March 26, 2026 petition addressed to the Kingdom through Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaaga Ateenyi, the farmers accuse powerful industry players and some government officials of orchestrating the dismantling of weighbridges at Rukondwa and Kihande, arguing the move has exposed them to exploitation and loss of income.
The union chairman, Mahmoud G.A Kazimbiraine, said the weighbridges were established to enable farmers verify the weight of their cane before delivery to millers, especially those located far from Masindi.
“We have been using these weighbridges to ascertain the weight of our produce. Now they have been taken away, leaving us at the mercy of buyers who determine weights without our involvement,” Kazimbiraine said.
He alleged that some millers, including Kinyara Sugar Limited, have historically resisted independent marketing structures by farmers, claiming all cane in Bunyoro belongs to them. The company has previously raised concerns about cane theft, accusations the farmers dismiss as unfounded.
“The kingdom looks after the weak. And if we have been made weak because of interests of a few people in Uganda, we feel we should run to the kingdom so that it can add a voice to our sufferings,” Hajji Kazimbiraine added.
According to the petition, private sugarcane growing in Bunyoro expanded around 2017 after excess cane could not be absorbed by Kinyara due to limited milling capacity. Farmers began supplying to other factories across the country, prompting the establishment of independent weighbridges and marketing centres.
The farmers argue that the recent removal of the facilities undermines their bargaining power and threatens their livelihoods.
“We cannot take loans, our cane is drying in the gardens, and our children are out of school due to lack of fees,” said Asiimwe, a farmer from the area.
The union is demanding investigations into alleged cane theft, reinstatement of the weighbridges, and protection under the law. They also want authorities to provide evidence linking the facilities to illegal activities.
Responding to the petition, the Kingdom Prime Minister, Byakutaaga, confirmed receipt of the farmers’ concerns and pledged to engage relevant stakeholders.
“They have presented challenges, including the confiscation of their weighbridges. As a kingdom, we shall consult with government authorities to establish the facts and ensure harmony in the sector,” Byakutaaga said.
He acknowledged that sugarcane remains a key economic activity in the region and said the kingdom would work to ensure farmers’ grievances are addressed.
The farmers have also appealed to religious leaders and cultural institutions to support their cause, warning that continued disruption of their operations could deepen economic hardship in the sub-region.
