The Minister of State Finance, Evelyn Anite, revealed that the government’s failure to allocate the required Shs2 billion in the 2023/2024 budget has hindered the establishment of the Sugar Board to regulate the industry. Due to resource constraints from the Covid-19 pandemic, Anite proposed the creation of a privately funded Sugar Council as an interim measure.
However, concerns were raised by Members of Parliament regarding the independence of this council, fearing potential exploitation of sugarcane outgrowers and conflicts of interest among millers.
The absence of the Sugar Board was emphasized as rendering the Sugar Act, 2020 ineffective, prompting the need for clarity on the Council’s operations.
The discussion took place during a committee session chaired by Hon. Rita Atukwasa, addressing a petition from the Uganda Sugar Manufacturers Association against licensing new millers.
The petition highlights the competition for limited sugarcane among operational mills, resulting in the crushing of underage cane and subsequent losses for farmers, companies, and the government.
