Uganda: Sugarcane Farmers Face Weighbridge Cheating
A report by Uganda’s Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) reveals exploitation of sugarcane farmers at weighbridges, where weight manipulation occurs due to undefined standards. The report recommends clear weighbridge guidelines and factory-based weighing. It also highlights price disparities in regions like Busoga, proposing a pricing formula for fairer distribution of proceeds and sustainable growth in the sugar industry.
A new report by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) has exposed the exploitation of sugarcane farmers at weighbridges and called for urgent reforms to ensure fairness in Uganda’s sugar industry.
Speaking during the National Validation Workshop held at Kampala’s Imperial Royale Hotel, EPRC researchers revealed how “undefined standards” in weighbridge operations enable transporters to manipulate sugarcane weights.
Farmers are not usually informed about the weight of their sugarcane until it passes through weighbridges, which creates room for cheating.
The report recommends introducing “clear standards for weighbridge locations” and vehicle specifications.
Industry experts proposed that sugarcane be weighed only at factory premises using properly calibrated weighbridges.
Low prices in Busoga
Addressing stakeholders, Hon. David Bahati, State Minister for Industries, emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving these challenges.
Representing 1st Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, he said, “We must acknowledge the ongoing challenges that threaten the long-term sustainability and equitable development of this sub-sector.”
Kadaga further highlighted the government’s efforts to address unfair practices and pricing discrepancies in the sugarcane sector.
Low prices of sugarcane, especially in the Busoga region, remain a serious concern.
“This is why we tasked EPRC with conducting this assessment to strengthen regulatory decision-making and promote fairness,” Kadaga stated.
The report also proposed a pricing formula to ensure fair proceeds from sugar by-products like molasses and bagasse.
This formula could address regional price disparities, where Busoga farmers sometimes receive as little as Shs 50,000 per tonne, compared to Shs 160,000 paid by Kinyara Sugar in Bunyoro.
“This inequitable distribution of proceeds and lack of governance in the sector continue to hinder its growth,” Kadaga added. “We need to close these gaps to ensure sustainable growth and market openness for all stakeholders.”
The government hopes the reforms will restore fairness and boost confidence in Uganda’s sugar industry.
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Source Link : Chim Reports
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