By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
REGIONAL
Youth from Eastern Uganda have appealed to the government to resume and expedite the Sugar Amendment Bill, 2023, to address the longstanding issues plaguing the sugar industry.
The youth under their umbrella, Eastern Revolutionary Platform – ERP say agriculture is the cornerstone of national economy, supporting over 70 percent of the population, noting that legislation on this bill is crucial to growth and development of the sugar industry in Uganda.
According to the youth, sugarcane farmers in Uganda are facing numerous challenges including price fluctuations, monopoly over sugar market, displacement of farmers and factory encroachment, among others due to absence of a dedicated regulatory body. These claim that lack of proper legal frameworks reduces competition in production and market of sugar.
They have petitioned the leader of opposition, Rt. Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi demanding for urgent debates on the bill which they say will provide equitable and sustainable policies that protect the rights and welfare of local farmers to fairly benefit from their efforts and resources.
“We strongly believe that The Sugar Amendment Bill (2023) would present an opportunity to address these longstanding issues by establishing a more regulated, transparent industry
framework that benefits all stakeholders fairly, particularly small-scale farmers,” read a statement by ERP.
The Sugar Amendment Bill promises to stabilize incomes, promote market fairness, enhance farmer representation, and ensure sustainable land use. ERP emphasizes that the bill could transform sugarcane farming into a viable and sustainable livelihood for thousands of households.
ERP President Gen. Bigirwa Moses and Secretary General Adepo Francis reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of Eastern Uganda’s communities and ensuring fair treatment for farmers. They urged Parliament, relevant ministries and other stakeholders to act swiftly to safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent on the sugar industry.
“We are dedicated to advocating for policies that promote the welfare of local farmers and ensure their hard work is recognized and rewarded,” ERP leaders said.
Furthermore, leaders have tasked the minister of agriculture to give a comprehensive response regarding delays and clarification on the
government’s proposed measures to protect and empower local farmers, review of land use regulations to prevent large-scale grabs by factories and establishment of Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council with equal representation of local farmers, crucial to the sugar industry.
