President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed the Sugarcane (Amendment) Bill, 2023, into law, urging cooperation between sugar millers and growers to safeguard the industry. He warned that lack of collaboration could lead to the collapse of sugar factories, harming both farmers and processors.
The amended law, passed by Parliament after broad consultations, establishes a Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council with majority representation from farmers. The chairperson will be selected on a rotational basis between millers and farmers to ensure balanced leadership.
A Sugar Development Fund will also be created, with contributions from millers (70%) and farmers (30%), to finance council operations. Additionally, millers will now be required to share proceeds from sugar and its by-products such as ethanol and electricity with farmers.
President Museveni advised smallholder farmers with less than four acres to avoid sugarcane growing and instead follow the 4-acre model, which promotes food security and income diversification. The signing was witnessed by government ministers, MPs, and sugarcane grower representatives.
Â
Disqus comments error!
Disqus shortname is required to use Disqus comments. Please ensure you have specify a valid registered Disqus shortname.