Officials from different sugarcane growers organizations
 

BY: Reporter

Sugarcane farmers in the Bunyoro sub-region, under their umbrella body the Bunyoro-Toro Sugarcane Farmers Association (BUTOs), have called on their leaders to reject the government’s proposed increment in taxes on sugar and sugarcane.

Speaking during a press briefing organized by BUTOs at Kolping Hotel in Hoima on Monday April 20,2026, the association’s chairperson, Patrick Byamukama, revealed that farmers plan to engage their Members of Parliament to seek clarification on the proposed tax increase, which is expected to rise from UGX 100 to UGX 300. He warned that the increment could significantly reduce farmers’ earnings.

Byamukama described the proposed tax as unfair, noting that sugarcane farmers are already heavily taxed. He urged legislators to oppose the measure to safeguard farmers from being pushed out of business.

Robert Atugonza, chairperson of the Masindi District Sugarcane Outgrowers Association, emphasized the need for government to reconsider the proposal, arguing that the tax is discriminatory. He called on the Ministry of Finance to broaden the tax base instead of repeatedly targeting the same agricultural sector, suggesting that other activities such as livestock farming and chili cultivation should also be considered.

Mary Mujumura, representing the Masindi Sugarcane Out growers Association Limited (MASGAL), appealed to farmers to unite in rejecting the proposed tax if they are to sustain their livelihoods in the sugarcane industry.

Meanwhile, Isingoma Max Francis, chairperson of the Hoima Sugarcane Outgrowers, advised the government to first assess the underlying causes of the recent decline in sugarcane prices and address the challenges facing farmers before introducing additional taxes.