Sugarcane growers in the Kikuube district under their umbrella Hoima Cane farmers have unanimously agreed to halt supplying cane to Hoima sugar until further notice protesting low cane prices.

During the meeting held at Sir Tito primary school playground, farmers unanimously said that they are not willing to sell more cane until prices are revised to suit their interests. 

The sugarcane growers say that Hoima Sugar Ltd buys sugarcane from them at 140,000 per ton yet other sugar companies buy 240,000 per ton.

Stephen Mandela, a farmer from Kyaruryaka and others say that they acquire loans with interest and hire land to cultivate sugarcane so they cannot stay silent while incurring losses due to low cane prices. 

Francis Barongo and Edivina Katusime who are both sugarcane farmers say the cost of living is similar to that of other farmers in Busoga, Masindi and other areas where sugarcane price is 240,000.

Max Omuto, the chairperson of Hoima Sugar Growers, says that the protest which started today Thursday will continue until the factory increases the price.

Max says that for several times, they have engaged the Hoima sugar factory for an agreement on the prices in vain.

Steven Kavuma noted that it is unfair for Hoima Sugar to buy their sugarcane at a low cost when sugar prices are still high elsewhere.

When we contacted Israel Enyakoit Odiit, the public relations officer, of Hoima Sugar Ltd, he said that he was going to contact the sugarcane growers’ manager before giving us details.

The sugar factory is currently undergoing an annual maintenance stoppage and it's likely to resume on 15th November 2023.