Masindi councillors clash with Mayor over sugarcane truck ban
Speaker Kyomuhendo subsequently ruled that the directive could not be implemented, declaring it illegal.
Masindi: A disagreement has erupted between Masindi Municipal councillors and Mayor Rogers Amanyire over a directive banning sugarcane and bagasse trucks from passing through the municipality’s Central Business Area.
Amanyire issued the directive in July as part of efforts to improve sanitation, protect roads and drainage infrastructure, and beautify the town ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, councillors have now rejected the directive, arguing that the mayor did not follow the required council procedures before issuing the order.
The matter came up during a recent council meeting chaired by Speaker Betty Kyomuhendo, after the Leader of Business, Aisha Nakamya, presented the issue as an action point.
Isingoma Tegras, the male elderly councillor, challenged the directive, describing it as illegal and warning that its implementation could expose the municipality to financial losses.
Katuku Abdul Aziizi, the Southern Ward councillor, questioned whether the mayor had consulted relevant stakeholders before ordering the diversion of the trucks.
Nyangoma Fatuma, chairperson of the Finance Committee, said the mayor had not provided sufficient information on the procedures followed before issuing the directive.
Speaker Kyomuhendo subsequently ruled that the directive could not be implemented, declaring it illegal.
Mayor defends directive
Despite the council ruling, Mayor Amanyire has maintained that the directive stands, saying some sugarcane truck operators have already started complying.
The order prohibits the selling and loading of sugarcane on streets, pavements and road reserves within the Central Business Area, except in designated locations.
Amanyire said the directive was necessary because sugarcane trucks had been spilling bagasse and sugarcane peels across the town. “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.
The municipality directed sugarcane transporters to use alternative routes, including the Kamurasi–Ihungu–Hoima Road, Kyema–Kiswata–Kihuuba–Kibwona–Biiso Road and Kyema–Kamudiini–Kigulya–Mirya–Kampala Road.
Transporters were given a 14-day grace period from July 13 to July 26, 2026, before enforcement.
He said the by-law had been passed by the previous municipal council but had only recently been assented to.
Municipality threatens enforcement
Masindi Municipality Deputy Town Clerk Patrick Asiimwe said enforcement teams had already been deployed to monitor illegal dumping and littering.
“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 said the municipality would also intensify public sensitisation on waste management.
Asiimwe said the alternative routes were agreed upon in consultation with sugar companies sourcing cane from Masindi District. He added that the municipality had procured 285 dustbins for distribution to businesses and deployed garbage collection trucks to serve 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.
Sugar companies currently sourcing sugarcane from the district include Kinyara Sugar Limited, Kiryandongo Sugar Limited, Bwendero Sugar, Hoima Sugar Factory and Victoria Sugar Factory.
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