Masindi weigh bridges will soon be relocated after the district council passed a resolution aimed at protecting sugarcane farmers and improving regulation of the local sugar industry.
The decision followed a council meeting chaired by District Speaker Moses Kiirya on March 3, where leaders agreed that weigh bridges should move away from sugarcane-growing zones. Leaders say the move will help control theft, eliminate middlemen and ensure farmers receive fair value for their harvests.
The resolution comes weeks after government authorities closed several roadside weigh bridges during a joint operation supported by the police.
Masindi weigh bridges and the government crackdown
Earlier in February, the Ministry of Trade shut down four roadside weigh bridges located at Katuugo, Rukondwa, Kihande and Mirya. The closures followed recommendations from the Ministry of Internal Affairs after investigations linked some weigh bridge operations to sugarcane theft.
District officials believe relocating weigh bridges will restore order in the sugarcane trade and protect farmers from illegal transactions.
During the council session, Secretary for Production and Trade Geoffrey Bigabwa initially proposed moving weigh bridges to locations along highways that lead directly to sugar factories.
Masindi weigh bridges and sugar regulations
However, councilor Denis Tumwine, who represents district workers, proposed an amendment to ensure that the relocation of Masindi weigh bridges complies with national sugar regulations.
Tumwine urged the council to align its decision with the Sugar Act to avoid creating policies that conflict with national law.
District Chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga supported the amendment and referred to Section 26 (2) of the sugar regulations, which states that sugarcane should be weighed at the licensed premises of the licensed buyer.
Byaruhanga explained that roadside weigh bridges often allow middlemen to buy sugarcane cheaply from farmers and resell it to factories at higher prices.
According to him, this system denies farmers the financial benefits they would otherwise receive if they sold directly to millers.
Masindi weigh bridges and farmer protection
District leaders say relocating Masindi weigh bridges will help protect farmers from exploitation. Many farmers complain that middlemen use roadside weighing stations to manipulate prices and control access to sugar factories.
Kyatiri Town Council representative John Kisarach said removing intermediaries would allow farmers to earn more from sugarcane sales.
He argued that the best solution is for sugarcane to move directly from the farmer’s garden to the sugar miller without passing through brokers.
Council members also recommended stronger regulations for the transport of sugarcane across the district.
Masindi weigh bridges and new transport rules
The council introduced several new measures alongside the relocation of Masindi weigh bridges.
Among the recommendations approved were strict labeling of vehicles belonging to sugar companies and a ban on transporting sugarcane using motorcycles, tuk-tuks or pickup trucks.
Leaders also proposed creating a database of farmers and the acreage they cultivate for sugarcane production.
Another measure requires non-contracted farmers to obtain a letter from their village Local Council I chairperson confirming the source of harvested cane before transportation.
The council also banned loading and offloading sugarcane along main roads, a practice officials say has encouraged theft and illegal trade.
Masindi weigh bridges and the fight against sugarcane theft
District authorities say the new policies respond to increasing cases of sugarcane theft across Masindi.
Speaker Kiirya explained that the council aims to streamline the entire sugarcane value chain to prevent criminals from exploiting farmers.
Labongo Sub-county representative Zam Nsubuga supported the resolution and shared a personal experience where thieves stole her sugarcane after it had already been harvested.
According to local leaders, improved regulation will reduce such incidents and restore trust in the sugarcane market.
Masindi weigh bridges relocation plan
Government officials have already held consultations with stakeholders in the sugar industry to identify alternative locations for Masindi weigh bridges.
A meeting chaired by State Minister for Trade Gen. Wilson Mbadi on February 17 brought together sugar millers and leaders from the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative Union.
Although stakeholders initially disagreed on suitable locations, a follow-up meeting organized by the Resident District Commissioner later reached a compromise.
Participants proposed relocating weigh bridges to Mijeera and Nakitoma in Nakasongola District or to Kafu in Kimengo Sub-county in Masindi.
Masindi weigh bridges and industry regulation
The district council will now submit its recommendations to the Minister of Trade for final approval and guidance.
Speaker Kiirya said sugar companies operating in Masindi must also formally register with the district to strengthen oversight of the industry.
He added that weigh bridges should only be owned and operated by licensed sugar companies.
District officials argue that these reforms will end the practice where some millers collect sugarcane from farmers without any formal relationship with the district.
Leaders believe that stricter regulation and relocation of Masindi weigh bridges will ultimately create a more transparent and profitable sugar industry for farmers in the Bunyoro region.