Museveni Signs Sugarcane Amendment into Law

President Museveni has signed the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act into law, promising renewed support for both sugarcane farmers and millers and reaffirming government’s role in reforming the agricultural sector.

The President commended the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament for what he called a steadfast commitment to the legislative process, acknowledging their efforts in rallying stakeholders to ensure the amendment passed in time to address the industry's structural challenges.

At a signing ceremony followed by a closed-door strategic meeting, Museveni met with a delegation of sugarcane farmers and millers to lay out a roadmap for implementing the new law.

The engagement focused on long-standing issues such as pricing disputes, delays in payments to outgrowers, and inefficiencies in the supply and milling chain.

“We are committed to ensuring that our sugar industry not only survives but thrives,” Museveni said.

“By working closely with all stakeholders—from farmers to millers—we are building a future of sustainability, competitiveness, and prosperity.”

The amended law is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and streamline operations across the sugar value chain.

Key reforms proposed during the discussions include establishing mechanisms for timely and transparent pricing, state-supported investment in modern milling technologies, and capacity-building programmes for outgrowers.

The President expressed concern that past policy gaps had left farmers vulnerable and millers exposed to unpredictable market forces.

He said the new legislation, paired with an implementation plan that centres on fairness and efficiency, would restore confidence and stability in the sector.

“The government will not stand by while our farmers are exploited or our economy loses potential,” he said.

“We are creating a system that works for all: for the producers, the processors, and the consumers.”

Farmers present at the meeting welcomed the President’s assurance but urged government to move swiftly in enforcing the provisions of the amended Act.

Many cited delays in payment by millers and poor infrastructure as persistent threats to their livelihoods.

“There is hope again,” said one farmer representative from Busoga.

“But we want to see results this time—not just laws, but action on the ground.”

The Sugarcane (Amendment) Act is part of a broader policy shift aimed at reviving Uganda’s agricultural sector, which employs the majority of the country’s population but has long been plagued by low productivity, limited value addition, and policy uncertainty.

As the meeting concluded, President Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s political will to ensure the law is not only implemented but serves as a turning point for Uganda’s sugar economy.

“This industry is too important to fail,” he said.

“We will protect it, grow it, and ensure our farmers benefit from their sweat.”

With the law now in force, attention shifts to the Ministry of Agriculture, local governments, and sector regulators, who must coordinate to ensure its provisions reach the grassroots.

For many sugarcane farmers, the Act represents a new chapter—but one whose success depends on more than words.