MAYUGE
In a move aimed at empowering sugarcane farmers in Busoga, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed plans to acquire the Mayuge Sugar Factory. This development is expected to bring significant relief to the farmers who have been struggling to access markets for their sugarcane. He was meeting sugarcane farmers at Kityerera State lodge in Mayuge.
The President’s announcement made on Wednesday 6th August 2025 has been met with excitement and optimism from the sugarcane farming community in Busoga. For years, farmers in the region have faced challenges in selling their sugarcane, leading to huge losses and financial hardship.
The acquisition of the Mayuge Sugar Factory is seen as a game-changer for the farmers. With the factory in their ownership, farmers will have a guaranteed market for their sugarcane, ensuring a stable income and improved livelihoods.
President Museveni’s intervention is also expected to boost the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the region. The move is a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting economic development in rural areas.
As the acquisition process gets underway, farmers in Busoga are eagerly anticipating the opportunities that will arise from this development. With the Mayuge Sugar Factory set to become a farmer-owned enterprise, the future looks bright for sugarcane farmers in the region.
President Speaks Out on Meeting
At Mayuge State Lodge, I met with sugarcane farmers and millers to discuss the price fluctuations of cane and to seek solutions to these issues. The sugarcane growers expressed their need for government support to subsidize their costs and maximize their profits. We will work to ensure that farmers receive fair prices.
I was also informed about the unnecessary delays in establishing a sugar council, which is crucial for mediation, regulation, and representation. This issue must be resolved by Monday without fail.
Finally, I reiterated my advice to cane farmers: they should cultivate on a larger scale to achieve better financial benefits. Farming sugarcane on just 2 acres is not profitable enough; one would struggle to earn even 4 million shillings from 5 acres. In contrast, farmers like Nyakaana in Fort Portal are earning millions from well-managed farming on just one acre. Let us make the right calculations; otherwise, we may miss out on profitable opportunities.
