Four weighbridges that had been operating in Bunyoro’s sugarcane-growing districts have been transferred to Victoria Sugar’s factory in Luwero, a move authorities and farmers say could help curb persistent sugarcane theft in the region.
The weighbridges were officially handed over on Friday by Masindi District Police Commander Pensive Tukasiima following a directive from Uganda Police headquarters ordering that they be returned to Victoria Sugar, their registered owner.
The relocation follows a memorandum of understanding signed recently between Kinyara Sugar Limited and Victoria Sugar under the guidance of Balaam Barugahara.
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Under the agreement, Victoria Sugar will continue buying cane from farmers who are not contracted to Kinyara, while Kinyara will retain exclusive arrangements with its registered outgrowers. The two companies also agreed to discontinue the use of roadside weighbridges, which had become a source of controversy within the sugar sector.
For years, farmers, local leaders and millers have argued that some roadside weighbridges were being used as collection points for illegally harvested sugarcane. Complaints of thieves harvesting mature cane at night and selling it through informal networks became increasingly common across the districts of Masindi District, Kikuube District and Hoima District.
Community mobiliser Francis Tumwine welcomed the decision, saying stakeholders had agreed the weighbridges should no longer be used in ways that encourage illegal trade.
“The weighbridges have been returned to their rightful owner, but stakeholders have agreed that they should no longer be used in a manner that facilitates illegal cane trade and theft,” Tumwine said.
“What farmers and leaders want is an organised sugar industry where genuine growers benefit from their sweat and criminals have no market for stolen cane. The agreement between Kinyara and Victoria Sugar is a positive step in that direction.”
He added that moving the weighbridges to Luwero closes a chapter that had created tensions among farmers, sugar companies and local leaders.
Farmers also expressed optimism that the new arrangement would help protect their investments.
“There were farmers who would spend more than a year nurturing their cane only to find sections of their gardens harvested by thieves. Anything that helps stop that problem is good for us,” farmer Peter Byaruhanga said.
Another farmer, Sarah Nakato, said the agreement had brought greater clarity to the sector.
“Now farmers know the system. If you are contracted by Kinyara, your cane goes to Kinyara. If you are not contracted, Victoria Sugar can buy your cane. That removes a lot of confusion,” she said.
Local leaders believe the changes will reduce disputes over cane ownership, improve coordination between millers and strengthen safeguards against theft.
The relocation comes as Bunyoro’s sugar industry seeks to improve regulation, protect farmers and restore confidence in a sector that has long struggled with illegal harvesting and marketing of sugarcane.
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