Busoga – The recent decision by some sugar factories to reduce the price of sugarcane has drawn sharp criticism from community leaders and farmers, raising questions about the timing and motive of the price cuts just a month before elections in the region.
Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, the state minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, expressed concern over the reductions, which have seen prices drop to as low as UGX 110,000 per tonne.
“The decision by some sugar factories to slash the price of sugarcane just 30 days before the election in Busoga raises serious concerns and must be thoroughly investigated,” Ateenyi said. “If the motive behind this price reduction is genuine, then the cost of sugar, which is the final product, should also be reduced accordingly. Targeting farmers alone is unacceptable.”
Ateenyi also called on the Sugar Council and relevant government agencies to intervene. “I call upon the Sugar Council and other relevant government agencies to urgently intervene and protect our farmers—our fathers—as well as final consumers from exploitation,” he added.
While criticising some factories, Ateenyi commended others for maintaining stable prices during this sensitive period. “I would also like to commend Kinyara Sugar Works, Kiryandongo Sugar, Victoria Sugar, Hoima Sugar, Bugiri Sugar, and Lugazi (Mehta) Sugar for maintaining stable cane prices during this sensitive election period. We are yet to receive clarity from Kakira Sugar Works Ltd, the largest player in the sector,” he noted.
Highlighting the impact on local youth, Ateenyi revealed, “Many young sugarcane farmers in Busoga have reached out to me expressing their dissatisfaction with the unfair decision to reduce cane prices.”
He questioned the timing of the reductions and suggested possible political undertones. “Why are sugarcane factories changing sugar prices just one month before the elections? What is the motive? Farmers are already battling drought, yet they are being ‘rewarded’ with reduced cane prices. Will the price of a kilo of sugar drop for the final consumer? This decision needs to be revised. It poses a serious risk to our leaders. The intention behind it does not reflect goodwill,” Ateenyi tweeted.
Government, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, has since intervened in the pricing of sugarcane in the Busoga region, with sugar millers agreeing to set a minimum price of Shs125,000 per tonne.
The new minimum price was agreed during a meeting held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Ministry of Trade offices, involving officials from the ministry, the Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council, and sugar millers operating in Busoga.
