By Swift Reporter
A new directive by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja ordering the removal of roadside sugarcane weighbridges has triggered renewed debate and uncertainty within Uganda’s sugar industry, drawing mixed reactions from stakeholders.
In a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to the Ministry of Trade, Nabbanja directed that all roadside weighbridges be dismantled and relocated to licensed sugar factories. She said the move is intended to curb sugarcane theft and eliminate the role of middlemen in the sector.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Uganda Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, to ensure the immediate enforcement of the directive.
The decision has stirred concern among farmer groups and industry observers, many of whom argue that it could reverse gains made in protecting sugarcane outgrowers from exploitation.
Roadside weighbridges were introduced as a response to long-standing complaints from farmers, particularly in regions such as Bunyoro. For years, outgrowers relied solely on factory-based weighbridges, where millers determined the weight of sugarcane deliveries without independent verification. Farmers argued that this system often led to underpayment due to lack of transparency.
Independent roadside weighbridges, largely operated by outgrower associations, were later established to allow farmers to verify the weight of their produce before delivery to factories. The system was widely seen as a step toward fairness in pricing.
Critics of the new directive say that removing these weighbridges could return control of weighing and pricing entirely to factories, potentially exposing farmers to previous challenges.
The latest development has also highlighted apparent inconsistencies within government positions on the issue. While Nabbanja’s directive aligns with earlier views associated with Kahinda Otafiire, it appears to differ from a more recent stance by Trade Minister Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who had reportedly supported the reinstatement of roadside weighbridges following stakeholder consultations.
The absence of reference to this position in the Prime Minister’s communication has raised questions among observers about policy coordination within government.
The directive has also reignited discussions around the role of powerful interests in shaping the sugar sector. Reports from industry sources suggest that some large sugar manufacturers have long opposed independent weighbridges, arguing they disrupt established supply chains.
At the same time, unverified claims have emerged alleging that certain actors may be influencing decisions through financial inducements. While these allegations remain unproven, they have contributed to growing public scrutiny of developments in the sector.
Amid the policy debate, farmers, especially in Bunyoro, are already feeling the impact. Some reports indicate that sugarcane has remained unharvested for weeks due to uncertainty over weighing processes and pricing structures.
Without clear guidance, transactions between farmers and millers have slowed, raising concerns about income losses and broader economic effects on rural communities.
As implementation of the directive begins, Uganda’s sugar industry now faces a critical moment. Supporters argue the move will streamline operations and address inefficiencies, while critics warn it may undermine transparency and fairness for outgrowers.
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