Sugarcane farmers from across Uganda have renewed calls for the government to provide dedicated agricultural extension services to support the country’s rapidly expanding sugarcane sector.
The farmers expressed concern that, despite the industry generating significant revenue, they continue to operate without adequate technical guidance.
The appeal was raised during the general meeting of the Uganda National Sugarcane Growers Association (UNASGO), held at Kolping Hotel in Masindi.
The meeting brought together growers from Bunyoro, Busoga, Northern Uganda, Tooro, and Central regions and also marked the revitalisation of UNASGO after more than a decade of inactivity.
Robert Atugonza, chairperson of the Masindi Sugar Cane Outgrowers Association (MASGAL) and the Bunyoro–Tooro representative on the Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council, noted that the sugar sector contributes an estimated Sh500 billion in revenue annually, yet farmers receive no formal extension support.
“We are growing sugarcane without government-backed extension services despite being among the top revenue contributors. Many farmers are not attached to any milling company, so they struggle on their own to access technical expertise,” Atugonza said.
He added that district extension officers in Masindi revealed they lacked the capacity to support sugarcane growers—an issue he said government must urgently address.
UNASGO co-founder and sugarcane farmer Morish Ngabitho echoed the concerns, emphasising the absence of research and guidance on improved cane varieties. “Farmers operate in the dark. There is no research supporting the sugar industry, yet it remains critical to government revenue,” he said.
The meeting also approved amendments to UNASGO’s constitution, allowing an additional 10 cooperatives and associations to join. Delegates elected a new five-member executive committee led by Julius Katereve (Busoga) as chairperson.
Other members include Aston Kajara (Tooro), vice chairperson; Nathan Mumolu (Busoga), general secretary; David Byensi (Bunyoro), treasurer; and Mary Mujumura (Bunyoro), publicity secretary.
The farmers further appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil his pledge of Sh50 billion to capitalise their SACCO and deliver the 40 tractors promised earlier this year.
They also requested a meeting with the President to discuss declining soil fertility, high fertiliser costs, and interest rates exceeding 32%, which they say are crippling production.
“Sugarcane has more than seven by-products, yet pricing is based solely on sugar. This is unfair,” Atugonza added, urging farmers to unite and avoid tribal, religious, or political divisions.