Uganda's sugar industry is set for a transformative period following the signing of the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act by President Yoweri Museveni. This landmark legislation aims to strengthen the sector by introducing measures that address long-standing challenges faced by sugarcane farmers and millers, while also ensuring the industry's sustainability and competitiveness. During a recent signing ceremony, President Museveni emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the sugar sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy.
"We are determined to ensure that our sugar industry not only survives but thrives," he stated. The new law is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Uganda's agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of the population but has historically struggled with low productivity and policy inconsistencies. Key provisions of the amendment include mechanisms for fair pricing, timely payments to sugarcane outgrowers, and the introduction of modern milling technologies.
These reforms are designed to enhance efficiency and transparency across the sugar value chain, from production to processing. The government also plans to invest in capacity-building programs for farmers, aiming to improve their skills and productivity. The signing ceremony was followed by a strategic meeting with a delegation of sugarcane farmers and millers. During this session, President Museveni acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, including pricing disputes, delayed payments, and inefficiencies in the supply chain. He expressed his determination to address these issues, stating,
"The government will not stand idly by while our farmers are exploited or our economy loses potential." Farmers present at the meeting welcomed the new legislation but urged the government to act swiftly in implementing its provisions. Many highlighted ongoing issues such as delayed payments by millers and inadequate infrastructure, which continue to threaten their livelihoods. A farmer representative from Busoga expressed hope for tangible changes, saying,
"There is hope again, but we want to see results this time—not just laws, but action on the ground." The Sugarcane (Amendment) Act is part of a larger policy shift aimed at revitalizing Uganda's agricultural sector, which has long been hampered by low productivity and limited value addition. By focusing on fairness and efficiency, the government hopes to restore confidence and stability in the sugar industry. President Museveni reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring the law is effectively implemented, stating, "This industry is too important to fail.
We will protect it, grow it, and ensure our farmers benefit from their hard work." With the law now in effect, the onus is on the Ministry of Agriculture, local governments, and sector regulators to coordinate efforts to ensure its provisions are effectively implemented at the grassroots level. For many sugarcane farmers, the Act represents a new beginning, but its success will ultimately depend on the government's ability to translate policy into practical action.
As Uganda's sugar industry embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for growth and sustainability. With a renewed focus on fairness, efficiency, and investment, the sector is poised to play a more significant role in driving economic development and improving the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the country. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the promises made are matched by concrete actions, setting the stage for a thriving sugar industry in Uganda.
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