Masindi confiscated sugarcane weighbridges returned amid silence from officials

Masindi: Two sugarcane weighbridges confiscated earlier this year over allegations of facilitating sugarcane poaching have been returned to their owners, but the handover was marked by an unusual silence from district and police officials.

The weighbridges, belonging to Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union Limited, were handed over on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Masindi Central Police Station following a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, on May 28, 2026.

The equipment had been seized in February by officials from the Ministry of Trade amid concerns that private roadside weighbridges were encouraging illegal trade in sugarcane and contributing to rampant cane theft in the district.

Despite the presence of journalists during the handover ceremony, officials declined to make any public statements or explain the circumstances surrounding the return of the equipment.

Those present included Masindi Resident District Commissioner Darius Nandinda, District Commercial Officer Moses Kalyegira, District Police Commander Pensive Tukasiima, and representatives from Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union Limited and Victoria Sugar Limited.

Instead of addressing the media, the officials opted to pose for group photographs, indicating that the pictures were sufficient proof that the weighbridges had been returned.

Efforts by journalists to obtain comments on the matter were unsuccessful, with none of the officials present willing to speak.

Sources who requested anonymity said the weighbridges would be transported to Luwero District for use by Victoria Sugar Limited.

Of the four weighbridges confiscated during the enforcement operation, only two, one from Kihande Cell and another from Rukondwa Village, both linked to Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union Limited were handed over. The remaining two are reportedly still being held by police pending collection by their owners.

The return of the weighbridges comes amid broader reforms in the sugar sector aimed at addressing cane theft and disputes between millers and farmers.

Recently, Kinyara Sugar Limited and Victoria Sugar Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Kampala under the guidance of Balaam Barugahara, the Minister for Local Government. The agreement seeks to streamline sugarcane procurement and eliminate practices believed to facilitate illegal cane trading.

Under the arrangement, Victoria Sugar will continue purchasing cane from farmers who are not contracted to Kinyara Sugar, while Kinyara will retain its contracted out-growers. The companies also agreed to discontinue the use of roadside weighbridges in sugarcane transactions.

For years, farmers and leaders across Masindi, Hoima and Kikuube districts have complained that some roadside weighbridges had become collection points for stolen sugarcane harvested from plantations during the night.

Francis Tumwine, a community mobilizer in Masindi, welcomed the decision to relocate the weighbridges away from the region. “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 organized 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.”

According to Tumwine, moving the weighbridges to Victoria Sugar’s factory in Luwero effectively closes a chapter that had created tension among farmers, millers and local leaders.

Farmers also expressed optimism that the new arrangements would help curb cane theft.

Peter Byaruhanga, a sugarcane farmer, described theft as one of the biggest threats facing growers. “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,” he said.

Another farmer, Sarah Nakato, said the understanding between the two sugar companies had brought clarity to growers.

“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,” Nakato noted.

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