Museveni Pledges Support To Busoga Sugarcane Farmers

Category: Economics
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President Museveni pledges support to sugarcane farmers in Busoga, plans to revive Mayuge Sugar factory  

MAYUGE – President Yoweri Museveni has assured sugarcane farmers in the Busoga sub-region of government support, including plans to revitalise the Mayuge Sugar Limited factory, during a meeting with growers at his Kityereera country home in Mayuge District.  

The President's intervention comes as farmers intensify complaints about exploitation by sugar millers, particularly regarding low prices and unfair deductions. Farmers nationwide have been petitioning the President over these challenges, which they say have left them impoverished despite sugarcane's economic potential.  


President Museveni committed to purchasing and operationalising the idle Mayuge Sugar Limited factory equipment to give farmers more processing options and break the monopoly of established millers. However, he requested farmers to provide accurate data showing sugarcane's superior profitability compared to his 4-acre model farming approach.  

The National Sugarcane Growers Association Chairman, Isa Budhugo, revealed that Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa has agreed to establish a Sugar Board to oversee the implementation of the Sugar Act, which farmers believe will protect their interests.  
 

Farmers highlighted several concerns, including:  
A controversial 5% unexplained levy charged by millers per ton of cane  
Delayed payments for their produce  
Need for affordable farm inputs and increased funding to their cooperatives  

President Museveni directed ISO officials to investigate the Sugar Board membership list after Trade Minister Mwebesa raised concerns about potential irregularities in the selection process.  

The meeting concluded with sugar millers also presenting their challenges to the President, including taxation issues and operational constraints. Farmers expressed appreciation for the President's intervention, particularly the move to revive Mayuge Sugar Limited, which they believe will create more market options.  

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Dan Basimbe

Dan Basimbe is an editor who expertly balances the fast-paced demands of the newsroom with a keen sense of precision and timing. Sitting at the desk, he ensures that news updates are delivered promptly, while also translating key stories into English for a broader audience. With a strong background in both journalism and evangelism, Dan brings a unique perspective to his work, blending his passion for storytelling with his commitment to spreading meaningful messages. His role as an editor goes beyond the technical; he actively collaborates with the newsroom, guiding the flow of information and ensuring that each story is presented clearly and accurately.

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