While at Mayuge State Lodge, I held a meeting with sugarcane farmers and millers to address the ongoing fluctuations in cane prices and to explore practical solutions. During the discussions, growers emphasised the urgent need for government support in subsidizing production costs to enable them to maximize profits. I assured them of our commitment to ensuring that farmers receive fair and sustainable prices for their produce.
I was also briefed on the prolonged delays in establishing a national Sugar Council—a critical body for mediation, regulation, and representation of industry stakeholders. I have directed that this matter be resolved by Monday without fail, as the council’s existence is vital for ensuring stability and accountability within the sector.
In addition, I once again advised farmers to embrace large-scale cultivation for greater financial returns. Small plots of two to five acres are insufficient to generate meaningful profits; for instance, even with five acres, one may struggle to earn four million shillings. Conversely, farmers such as Nyakaana in Fort Portal are reaping millions from well-managed, intensive farming on smaller plots. The key lies in making the right calculations and adopting smarter farming practices to unlock the full potential of this crop.