Masindi farmers suffer losses amid rising sugarcane thefts
The thefts, often carried out by brokers and middlemen linked to weighbridges for the harvested cane, have prompted local authorities to take action
MASINDI, June 19, 2025 –– Sugarcane farmers contracted by Kinyara Sugar Limited [KSL] in Masindi district are incurring heavy losses due to rampant sugarcane thefts, with many forced to hire private guards to protect their mature cane fields from thieves.
The thefts, often carried out by brokers and middlemen linked to weighbridges for the harvested cane, have prompted local authorities to take action.
In March 2024, the Masindi District Council, chaired by Speaker Moses Kiirya, passed a resolution banning the transportation of cane using motorcycles and tuk-tuks, citing their role in facilitating theft.
Farmers allege that the stolen cane is sold at weighbridges, with some vehicles linked to these thefts intercepted within plantations contracted to KSL.
Four arrested and charged
So far, four suspects have been charged and remanded to Masindi Prison over the alleged theft of sugarcane. The arrests followed a report by a Kinyara-contracted outgrower in Bubanda village, Bwijanga Sub-county, who alerted police after spotting unidentified individuals harvesting cane from her field.
Officers from Bwijanga Police Post and security personnel from KSL intercepted a truck loaded with sugarcane and apprehended the suspects. They were transferred to Masindi Police Station for further investigations.
The suspects are accused of stealing cane worth approximately Shs 5 million on the night of June 13, 2025, during an official harvest by KSL.
In a written complaint, the farmer stated that she discovered a vehicle not affiliated with Kinyara loading cane from her plantation.
Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Joseph Karwani, confirmed that while the primary case has been concluded, police are pursuing additional leads into a wider theft ring. “We shall continue to pursue and prosecute those involved in criminal activities,” Karwani said.
Suspects appear in court, charged
Yesterday, the four suspects appeared before Masindi Grade One Magistrate Fortunate Nyapir, where they were charged with theft under case reference CO-348/2025.
The accused are: Julius Tindyebwa,48, farm manager of the affected field, Julius Byaruhanga, 36, a boda boda rider from Kikuube village, Bikonzi Sub-county, Twaha Wamaani, 41, driver from Masindi Town, and Franko Muzungu, 43, a broker from Masindi Municipality
All the accused denied the charges and applied for bail. The court will rule on their application on June 20, 2025. They remain in remand at Masindi Prison.
Francis Mugerwa, Public Relations Officer at KSL, said theft continues to severely impact the company’s operations. “These poachers harvest cane that does not belong to them,” he said, noting that Kinyara works with over 7,000 registered farmers.
https://thecooperator.news/masindi-sugarcane-farmers-oppose-closure-of-weighbridges/
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