Sugar War! Gov’t Reverses Weighbridge Directive, Orders Reinstatement In Masindi

By Swift Reporter

In a dramatic policy reversal that has sent ripples across the sugarcane belt of Bunyoro, the Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, has effectively overturned an earlier directive attributed to the Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, ordering the immediate reinstatement of farmers’ weighbridges in Masindi District.

The development follows weeks of tension sparked by a controversial order that reportedly called for the removal of privately established farmers’ weighbridges — a move that triggered outrage among outgrowers who argued the facilities were critical in protecting them from exploitation by millers.

Weighbridges Meant to Facilitate, Not Generate Revenue

Addressing stakeholders, Gen. Mbadi emphasized that the weighbridges are not commercial revenue centres but facilitation tools intended to empower farmers.

“There should be no financial transactions at the weighbridges. They are purely facilitation mechanisms to help farmers ascertain their tonnage before delivering cane to the intended millers,” Mbadi said.

He clarified that the installations serve as neutral measurement points accessible to the public, aimed at promoting transparency and fairness in cane trade, particularly during disputes over tonnage determination.

In remarks widely interpreted as directed at Kinyara Sugar Limited, Mbadi stressed the need for harmonious coexistence among industry players.

“Kinyara must co-exist with other players. Learn to co-exist with other industry players because you need them as they need you,” he said.

The statement appeared to challenge perceived monopolistic tendencies within the sector, amid long-standing complaints from independent farmers who say they are often disadvantaged when dealing with dominant millers.

Truck Branding to Curb Cane Theft

The minister also addressed growing concerns over sugarcane theft, directing that trucks transporting cane be branded for easier identification.

According to Mbadi, branding will enable authorities to trace and hold accountable individuals involved in cane theft a problem that has heightened mistrust among growers, transporters, and millers.

To streamline operations and prevent further conflict, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) will convene a stakeholders’ meeting to agree on designated locations for the reinstated weighbridges.

Stakeholders are expected to return on Thursday with agreed proposals on zoning before final submission to the minister.

Background to the Dispute

The controversy began after a directive attributed to Gen. Otafiire ordered the removal of farmers’ weighbridges — a decision many growers viewed as undermining their bargaining power. Farmers also argued that the directive contradicted existing sector laws and earlier presidential guidance on the matter.

Outgrowers maintain that without independent weighbridges, they remain vulnerable to discrepancies in tonnage readings at factory-controlled facilities, potentially leading to financial losses.

Mbadi’s intervention now marks a significant shift in government posture, restoring the installations and reaffirming their role in safeguarding farmer interests.

As attention turns to Thursday’s stakeholders’ meeting, observers say its outcome will shape the operational framework for the reinstated weighbridges and determine whether stability can return to Masindi’s sugar industry.