President Museveni has signed the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act into law, marking a significant legislative milestone aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in Uganda’s sugar sector.
The President, who assented to the bill on Friday afternoon, extended gratitude to both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament for what he described as their “active involvement” in seeing the amendment through.
“I signed the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act into law this afternoon. I want to thank the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament for their active involvement in this matter,” Museveni said in a statement released on Friday.
He further revealed that the signing was preceded by a productive meeting with key stakeholders in the sugar industry, including farmers and millers. “We outlined a strategic plan to enhance the growth of the sugar industry,” Museveni said, without disclosing further details of the plan.
The amendment comes against a backdrop of persistent disputes between outgrowers and millers, price instability, and operational inefficiencies in the sugar value chain. Farmers have often complained about delayed payments, exploitation by millers, and lack of government support in ensuring fair market practices.
While the content of the amended law has not yet been published in full, sources within the Ministry of Agriculture say it seeks to regulate the licensing of millers, protect outgrowers, and promote fair trade practices to stabilize the sector.
The sugar industry is one of Uganda’s key agricultural sectors, employing thousands of people directly and indirectly, particularly in regions like Busoga, Buganda, and parts of northern Uganda.
