By Nanteza Ruth Walusimbi
JINJA
A section of Members of Parliament from Busoga say that the government’s move to purchase the Mayuge sugar factory for the indigenous people of Busoga will be a turning point, enabling local sugarcane growers to determine the final price of sugar on the market.
Early this month, President Yoweri Kaguta, while in Busoga, stated that he has been liaising with government agencies and leaders in Busoga to fulfill this pledge of establishing a sugar mill. However, the directors of Mayuge Sugar, Maheswari’s and Patels Group of Companies approached him about their intention to sell the Mayuge Sugar factory.
President Museveni asked the farmers to share their views about this proposal and ascertain whether it is viable for them to break through the limitations posed by the already existing millers.
Now the area Members of Parliament have welcomed the President’s plan to buy this factory, saying that it would minimize exploitation of sugarcane growers in this subregion where the poverty levels are still high.
Buzaya County Member of Parliament in Kamuli district, Martin Muzale, said that this will give the farmers an opportunity to have a voice where the sugar price is determined with other sugarcane factory owners.
“So, the idea of buying a sugar factory for the local indigenous people is very good, because at least they will be involved in decision-making and they will be involved in determining the price of sugarcane,” said Muzale.
He said that there was a pledge by the President that he would be able to give Basoga, who are into the sugarcane industry, 37 million dollars to put up their own factory, but to date, only 2 billion was advanced.
Jinja West Member of Parliament, Dr. Timothy Batuwa Lusala, said that this will enable sugarcane farmers to sell their sugarcane on terms believed to be fair and objective.
