Masindi bans sugarcane trucks from town centre ahead of AFCON 2027
"Anyone found littering the town or dumping waste in prohibited areas will face arrest, a fine of up to Shs2 million, imprisonment, or both," Asiimwe warned.
Masindi: Masindi Municipality has banned the movement of sugarcane and bagasse trucks through the town’s central business area as part of efforts to improve sanitation and beautify the municipality ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The executive order, which takes effect on July 13, 2026, is aimed at addressing persistent littering caused by sugarcane waste that has clogged drainage channels, damaged roads and created public health concerns.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Masindi Municipality Mayor Rogers Amanyire said the municipality had witnessed rampant spillage of bagasse and sugarcane peels by trucks transporting sugarcane through the town centre.
“The continued littering of sugarcane waste has blocked drainage channels, damaged roads and posed public health risks. This practice violates the Public Health Act, the Physical Planning Act 2010 and the Municipal Solid Waste Management By-Laws,” Amanyire said.
Under the directive, the selling and loading of sugarcane on streets, pavements and road reserves within the central business area has been banned, except in designated areas. The order also prohibits dumping sugarcane waste and bagasse on streets, drainage channels and open spaces.
Sugarcane transporters will now be required to use alternative routes, including Kamurasi–Ihungu–Hoima Road, Kyema–Kiswata–Kihuuba–Kibwona–Biiso Road, and Kyema–Kamudiini–Kigulya–Mirya–Kampala Road.
Amanyire said transporters would be given a 14-day grace period, from July 13 to 26, 2026 to comply with the directive before enforcement begins.
“No arrests or fines will be imposed during the grace period to allow transporters and traders to adjust to the new arrangements,” he said.
The mayor noted that the by-law had been passed by the previous municipal council but had not been assented to until now.
Patrick Asiimwe, the Masindi Municipality Deputy Town Clerk said enforcement teams comprising scouts and patrol officers had already been deployed to monitor illegal dumping and littering across the municipality.
“Anyone found littering the town or dumping waste in prohibited areas will face arrest, a fine of up to Shs2 million, imprisonment, or both,” Asiimwe warned.
He added that the municipality would intensify public sensitisation campaigns on proper waste management to ensure residents maintain cleanliness even beyond the AFCON tournament.
According to Asiimwe, the designated alternative routes were agreed upon in consultation with sugar companies sourcing cane from Masindi District and the municipality.
He also revealed that the municipality had procured 285 dustbins for distribution to businesses and deployed garbage collection trucks to serve both commercial and residential areas.
“Government has earmarked Shs5 billion to clean and beautify Masindi ahead of AFCON. We have so far received Shs500 million, which will support waste management, flower planting and other beautification activities,” Asiimwe said.
He emphasized that maintaining cleanliness would require cooperation from the public through proper waste disposal practices.
A senior official at Kinyara Sugar Limited said the company was ready to comply with the directive and work closely with municipal authorities during its implementation.
However, Victoria Sugar Factory Human Resource Manager Esther Ayoko declined to comment, saying the company had not yet been formally engaged on the matter.
Sugar companies currently sourcing sugarcane from Masindi include Kinyara Sugar Limited, Kiryandongo Sugar Limited, Bwendero Sugar, Hoima Sugar Factory and Victoria Sugar Factory.
Business operators speak out
Business operators and dwellers in Masindi town have applauded the Municipal authorities for banning the transition of sugarcane trucks in the central business area.
Linda Mama, a business operator in the town stresses that the sugarcane trucks have been blocking access to their businesses and also harboring thieves thus affecting their businesses.
She however said that the number of customers will reduce since the truck drivers have been buying soft drinks from them.
Tadeo Kato, a boda boda rider at Rich Rich stage also welcomed the diversion of sugarcane trucks stressing that they have been littering the town and health hazard mostly the bagasse trucks.
Milton Kwebiha, another boda boda rider stressed that the truck drivers have been causing accidents in the truck through reckless driving and double parking. Additionally, Kwebiha accused the sugarcane trucks of littering the town thus posing health risks.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
