Judul : Busoga Sugarcane Farmers Protest 5% Trash Deduction
link : Busoga Sugarcane Farmers Protest 5% Trash Deduction
Busoga Sugarcane Farmers Protest 5% Trash Deduction
Key Information:
- Sugarcane farmers in Busoga claim a 5 percent reduction significantly impacts their hard-earned earnings.
Sugarcane growers in Uganda's Busoga Sub-region are demonstrating against the ongoing 5 percent reduction from their shipments by sugar mills, claiming this action breaches the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act, 2023, which was enacted by President Museveni in May 2025.
The legislation aims to improve collaboration between millers and farmers, eliminating the 5 percent "trash levy" and creating a Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council where farmers hold the majority, responsible for ensuring equitable practices and revenue distribution from sugar by-products.
“Farmers were happy when the Sugar Bill Amendment Act was passed, but we are still worried about millers taking 5 percent from our shipments even though the law has removed this requirement,” said Peter Mubiru, head of the Kamuli Out-Growers Association.
On Thursday, Mubiru stated that the so-called "waste," which consists of leaves and stems, is frequently utilized by millers to create bagasse, power, ethanol, and additional by-products, and that farmers should receive full compensation.
He called on the newly installed Sugar Stakeholders Council to focus on this matter during its initial meeting on December 9.
"We are requesting a transparent explanation from millers regarding their continued deduction of this levy, even though the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act, 2025, was introduced to safeguard farmers' rights," Mubiru stated.
Farmers have shown dissatisfaction with how the government has implemented the law.
"When we were in the State House, we saw the president prevent the 5 percent deduction, but we are unclear about the conditions that let sugar millers continue to deduct from farmers," said Juma Kalogo, a farmer from Jinja district.
Kalogo mentioned that millers benefit from various by-products of sugarcane while still decreasing farmers' income.
"We have examined their earnings, yet they still wish to cut the small amount we receive from sugarcane," he stated.
Farida Nakato, a farmer hailing from Kamuli District in Busoga, urged for solidarity and activism.
"Let's come together and struggle for our rights! We are the ones who put in the effort to cultivate sugarcane, so we deserve a just price," she encouraged.
Asuman Mweede urged farmers to leverage Museveni's continuous campaign activities in Busoga to express their grievances.
"We need to unite and speak with one voice on matters impacting us within the sugar industry. The president is present, and we should take this opportunity to draw attention to the 5 percent impurity problem," he stated.
Lillian Nabirye from Luuka District stated that agriculturalists were experiencing economic pressure while pushing for reforms.
"We spend a significant amount on production, yet we receive very little in return. Moreover, funds are taken out for waste management... When people hear 5 percent, it seems minor, but as farmers, we experience the impact whenever it's subtracted from our hard-earned crops," she said.
The Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council, established on October 23, 2025, is responsible for granting licenses and overseeing mills, creating a comprehensive plan, and maintaining equitable pricing.
President Museveni confirmed during a November 19 gathering that his order to eliminate the 5 percent deduction is still in force.
At present, a tonne of sugarcane is priced at Shs120,000, a decrease from Shs240,000 in December 2023.
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