Security, Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union fail to reach resolution on relocation of weighbridges
“We are appealing to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in this matter. As farmers, we are suffering yet sugarcane is our only source of income,” he said.
Masindi: Security in Masindi district and Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union have failed to reach a conclusion on the relocation of the weighbridges that were uprooted by officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
The weighbridges at Rukondwa in Bikonzi sub-county, Bujenje County and at Kihande- in Masindi Municipality managed by the Union were shut down on February 13, 2026, by officials accompanied by police.
Government authorities say roadside weighbridges have been fuelling rampant sugarcane theft by providing ready markets for stolen cane.
During a meeting over the matter held in Kampala last week, the State Minister for Trade Gen Wilson Mbadi directed that the weighbridges be relocated away from active cane trading zones to reduce opportunities for theft and illegal transactions.
Mbadi noted that new locations would be identified through a consultative process involving all stakeholders, led by the Masindi Resident District Commissioner, Darius Nandinda.
Acting on the minister’s directive, RDC Nandinda on Tuesday convened a meeting of Masindi Sugarcane Growers Association Limited (MASGAL), Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union, Sugar millers and the security agencies to come up with the new locations and strategies of relocating the weighbridges.
Briefing the media after a closed door meeting, RDC Nandinda revealed that the matter was not concluded as Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union wanted the weighbridges temporary reinstated where they were before as the parties continue discussing the matter.
However, Nandinda said this could not be done as the minister’s directives must be met before reinstating the weighbridges.
The RDC revealed that a follow- up meeting would be held on Thursday between milers and security to come up with the final resolutions that would be sent to the minister for advice on the way forward on the matter.
The RDC revealed that it was resolved that in the meantime the farmers be selling their cane directly to the milers as they wait for the relocation of the weighbridges.
On his side, Haji Muhamoud Kazimbiraine, the chairperson Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union noted that relocating weighbridges is a lengthy process, calling for reinstating them where they were as they look for the permanent locations to allow the farmers who he said are stranded with their can to sell it.
Farmers protest impact
Sugarcane farmers under the Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union have appealed to the government to reinstate the closed weighbridges, saying their removal has severely affected their livelihoods.
Twaibu Baguma, a farmer from Pakanyi Sub-county, said the confiscation of the weighbridges has drastically reduced his income, leaving his family on the brink of hunger. He warned that farmers may stage demonstrations over the closure, accusing leaders of remaining silent.
“This is the second time they are being closed. Sugarcane growing is the only activity I can now engage in after being chased from the forest and the lake. I have two children in secondary school and depended on sugarcane. Now they have taken the weighbridges,” he said.
Elias Kirimudaga noted that the weighbridges enabled farmers to verify the weight of their cane and sell to buyers of their choice. He dismissed allegations that the facilities were fuelling sugarcane theft, arguing that suspects should instead be arrested and prosecuted.
“We are appealing to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in this matter. As farmers, we are suffering yet sugarcane is our only source of income,” he said.
Betty Kabasindi, a single mother of seven, said she had already harvested her sugarcane in anticipation of selling it at the weighbridge to raise school fees, but is now stranded.
She also appealed to Yoweri Museveni and Balaam Barugahara to intervene, noting that the weighbridges had provided employment to many youths and that their closure may have worsened theft due to rising unemployment.
Gerald Mugume criticized local leaders, including members of parliament and district officials, for failing to support farmers.
“We appeal to the President, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Minister Balaam to intervene. We have good roads, but we cannot transport our products,” he said.
Farmers insist that unless the weighbridges are reinstated or alternative solutions provided urgently, their economic situation will continue to deteriorate.
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