The leadership of Uganda’s small sugar factories has petitioned President Museveni, seeking his intervention over what they allege is their exclusion from the formation of the Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council.
Operating under the umbrella of the Millers Association of Sugarcane (MAS), the group, in a letter dated August 25, claims that their members were sidelined in the nomination process for representatives to the Sugar Council.
This decision risks marginalizing a significant portion of millers, destabilizing ongoing sector initiatives, and eroding confidence among investors, farmers, and stakeholders,” the petition reads in part.
The Millers Association of Uganda comprises smaller sugar producers, including Kamuli Sugar, Mayuge Sugar, GM Sugar, HK Industries, Victoria Sugar, and Sezibwa Sugar.
The association argues that with a combined processing capacity of 22,000 tons per day, representing over 40 percent of the nation’s milling capacity, they are significant players in the industry and deserve a seat at the table.
The establishment of Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council marks a major milestone in regulating this critical sub-sector, intending to ensure transparency and effective governance.
Following President Museveni’s assent to the Sugar Amendment Act, 2025, on May 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives issued a letter on June 16 requesting both the Millers Association of Uganda and the Uganda Sugar Manufacturers Association (USMA) to nominate three representatives each to the Council.
While USMA, representing larger players like Kakira, Scoul, and Kinyara, complied, MAS states it also carried out internal consultations and submitted three qualified nominees on July 14.
The Sugar Council was created following consensus among the government, sugar millers, and farmers to regulate the sector and address challenges.
George Bamwine, the spokesperson for the Millers Association of Uganda, expressed disappointment over the apparent disregard for their nominees, despite their involvement in the Council’s formulation process.
Julius Katerevu, the chairperson of the Greater Mukono Sugarcane Out growers Society and a farmer representative nominee, said representatives from MAS and the Busoga region have yet to be appointed due to internal disagreements.
However, Katerevu added that during a meeting last Tuesday with the State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, they were assured the matter would be resolved soon.
