A disagreement has surfaced within the sugarcane farming community over the proposed removal of field weighbridges, with farmers expressing opposition to the initiative put forth by the Uganda Sugar Manufacturers’ Association (USMA). The farmers argue that these weighbridges hold significant benefits for them.
The catalyst for this debate stems from a letter dated August 24, 2023, addressed to Mr. Mwine Mpaka, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on tourism, trade, and industry, signed by USMA chairperson, Mr. Jim Kabeho. In the letter, Mr. Kabeho highlights concerns about the proliferation of field weighbridges, attributing them to increased challenges related to sugarcane poaching.
USMA data reveals the establishment of 19 weighbridges across various parts of the Busoga sub-region. However, farmers are contesting USMA’s assertion that these weighbridges contribute to sugarcane poaching and are urging the government to eliminate them entirely.
At the annual USMA General Meeting, Mr. Kabeho lamented a significant decline in farmers’ yields, citing figures dropping from 110-120 tons per hectare to a mere 50-60 tons. He attributed this decline to the resurgence of weighbridges over the past two years.
According to Mr. Kabeho, the management of these weighbridges by non-agriculturists has led to exploitation of farmers, masquerading as efforts to reduce transportation costs. Previously, farmers had to transport their cane to distant sugar mills, incurring additional costs and often involving middlemen who reaped disproportionate profits.
The introduction of field weighbridges has streamlined this process, allowing farmers to transport their produce to nearby weighbridges and promptly settle payments. This represents a departure from the previous scenario where farmers endured lengthy delays awaiting clearance from millers.
While some farmers support the retention of weighbridges, citing the convenience and efficiency they offer, others view them as an unnecessary expense, especially given the liberalized economic climate of Uganda.
The sentiment is echoed by workers at these weighbridges, who emphasize the job opportunities created by their presence in various centers. However, concerns persist among farmers regarding the logistical challenges associated with transporting cane over long distances and navigating bureaucratic hurdles for permits.
In response to USMA’s proposal, Mr. Godfrey Biriwali, chairperson of the Great Busoga Sugarcane Farmers’ Union, advocates for millers to register all sugarcane farmers to mitigate poaching, rather than abolishing weighbridges altogether.
