Sugarcane farming boosts livelihoods in Busoga amid price and payment concerns

11 April 2026, 7:30 pm

Ronald Ssemagonja

Sugarcane has, over the years, shaped daily life in the Busoga region and other parts of Uganda. The crop supplies sugar factories and supports thousands of families. For many households, it has improved living standards, although for others it has also created new challenges.

As demand for sugar continues to grow in Uganda, Busoga remains the country’s main sugarcane-producing region. In this context, Moses Waiswa, a farmer from Kamuli District, says sugarcane farming gives farmers confidence because they already know they have a guaranteed market even before harvest.

He said this while addressing the media in Kampala:

“I am happy to inform the general public that we farmers who deal in sugarcane gain so much because we are assured of customers who will buy our sugarcane. So I do not regret investing in sugarcane farming,” he said.

However, Waiswa also noted that sugarcane farmers in Kamuli District face several challenges.

It should be noted that last year, sugarcane workers called on government to push employers to increase their wages. Similarly, farmers also urged government to ensure that buyers improve the prices paid for sugarcane.

Reports show that many farmers continue growing sugarcane mainly because of its guaranteed market. Unlike crops such as maize and beans, which often lose value during harvest due to oversupply, sugarcane is delivered directly to factories.

However, Harriet Nabirye, a farmer from Mayuge District, says delays in payment severely affect households. She explained that farmers often plan for school fees and basic needs after delivering cane, but delays force them to borrow money or sell property.

She also noted that farmers have little influence over pricing, as sugar factories usually set the rates. Transport costs, harvesting charges, and loan deductions further reduce the final amount farmers receive.

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, has pledged that the government will continue working to support sugarcane farmers.