Busoga Kingdom is calling for President Museveni’s intervention in addressing the issue of fluctuating sugarcane prices, which has significantly impacted the sugar sector in the region. Prime Minister Joseph Muvawala expressed the kingdom’s desire for the president to visit Busoga sub-region to discuss the matter, emphasizing its adverse effects on farmers.
Speaking at the official opening of the Busoga Lukiiko (Parliament) presided over by Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV, Muvawala highlighted the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers, including the drastic reduction in prices. Currently, millers are purchasing a ton of sugarcane at significantly lower prices compared to previous months, affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
Muvawala emphasized the need for a price formula that considers various sugarcane byproducts, such as biogas, ethanol, and fertilizers, in addition to sugar. The kingdom also seeks farmers’ consultation in Busoga sub-region before the passage of the Sugar Amendment Bill (2023), as they are the largest sugarcane growers in the country and host several sugar factories.
Busoga is home to five major sugarcane-processing plants, including Kakira Sugar Ltd, Mayuge Sugar Factory, Kamuli Sugar Ltd, Kaliro Sugar Ltd, Bugiri Sugar Ltd, and GM Sugar Factory. The proposed Sugar Amendment Bill (2023) aims to introduce the sugar council and a new formula for calculating sugarcane prices based on international standards.
However, the bill’s debate was deferred in Parliament due to disagreements over funding for the proposed sugar council, which would regulate the sector if the bill is passed. President Museveni previously discouraged farmers with less than 4 acres of land in Busoga sub-region from growing sugarcane, citing its unprofitability during Tarehe Sita celebrations in Bugweri District.
In light of these challenges, Busoga Kingdom seeks President Museveni’s intervention to address the fluctuating sugarcane prices and ensure the sustainability of the sugar sector in the region.
