Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1346 EAT on Wednesday 25 February 2026

Sugarcane farmers and local leaders in Masindi District say the temporary closure of roadside weighbridges is already curbing theft, and they are now calling for the facilities to be permanently relocated from sugarcane-growing areas.

On February 13, the Ministry of Trade ordered the shutdown of roadside weighbridges in Masindi following allegations of theft and extortion. At a consultative meeting chaired by Resident District Commissioner Darius Nandinda at Kabalega Resort, stakeholders—including millers, farmer cooperatives and local leaders—said cases of cane theft have dropped markedly since the closure.

Masindi Municipality Mayor Ronald Kyomuhendo, who also grows sugarcane commercially, told the meeting that weighbridges situated within active cane fields had unintentionally provided a ready outlet for stolen produce.

“Since the roadside weighbridges were closed, incidents of sugarcane theft have dropped significantly because thieves no longer have a convenient market for stolen cane,” he said.

Officials added that the sugarcane trade has remained largely uninterrupted despite the closures, rejecting claims that the shutdown had paralysed business. They accused middlemen who profit from cane theft of trying to mislead the public about the effects of the decision.

District Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga blamed much of the sector’s tension on middlemen running weighbridges without clear links to factories or verified farmer registers.

“The middlemen and dealers at these weighbridges end up cutting into the earnings farmers are meant to receive. If factories properly identified their farmers, there would be no need for middlemen to buy sugarcane. Why can’t factories purchase directly from farmers?” Byaruhanga asked.

He urged authorities to strictly enforce Section 26 of the Sugar Regulations, which stipulates that sugarcane must be weighed at licensed premises.

Byaruhanga further proposed relocating weighbridges outside the core sugarcane-growing belt—particularly along the Kampala highway beyond River Kafu—saying the move would help curb theft while still enabling non-contracted farmers to access competitive markets.

Kinyara Sugar Ltd expressed support for relocating weighbridges away from active sugarcane-growing areas.

“We welcome the relocation of roadside weighbridges outside the sugarcane operational zone, preferably beyond River Kafu along the Kampala highway, to minimise theft associated with weighbridges located within cane-growing areas,” said Francis Mugerwa, Kinyara’s public relations officer.

Mugerwa emphasised the need for clear guidelines that protect both farmers and millers, particularly companies investing in outgrower schemes and community development initiatives.

Victoria Sugar Ltd, through its operations officer Nasif Ismail, called for dialogue among millers to reach a sustainable solution.

However, the leadership of the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative Union advocated reopening the weighbridges under stricter regulatory oversight, including the establishment of a supervisory committee.

Nandinda ruled that the status quo will remain, with roadside weighbridges staying closed as the district security committee continues consultations with company managers and directors.

A report will be submitted to the Trade minister and President Yoweri Museveni to guide the final decision.

Source: Observer

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here

Email: editorial@hicginewsagency.com TalkBusiness@hicginewsagency.com WhatsApp +256713137566

Follow us on all social media, type “HICGI News Agency” .