President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to urgently enforce the Sugar Act and address complaints of exploitation against sugarcane out-growers in Masindi District.

The directive followed concerns raised by local leaders during his campaign rally at Masindi Golf Grounds on Wednesday 10th December 2025.

Museveni said government would not tolerate millers or middlemen who take advantage of farmers, stressing that the Sugar Act must be fully implemented to ensure fair pricing, transparent contracts, and equal access to mills.

He instructed the Prime Minister to follow up immediately on all reported disputes and deliver clear accountability.

The President also linked the protection of out-growers to broader issues of land security.

He expressed concern over persistent land-grabbing cases in the district, directing Nabbanja to work with relevant agencies to resolve conflicts and ensure farmers are not displaced from productive land.

During the rally attended by thousands of NRM supporters, Museveni reiterated that Masindi remains central to Uganda’s agricultural economy.

A short clip about how NRM presidential candidate was recieved in Masindi.

He noted that sugarcane, one of the region’s main cash crops, must be supported through better regulation and stronger farmer protections.

Museveni added that the government is committed to boosting agro-industrialisation, and called on Masindi to prepare for new opportunities under the upcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program.

While acknowledging that Masindi missed out on earlier phases of USMID, he assured residents that the district will be included in the new initiative, which is expected to improve urban markets, roads, and service delivery.

He also announced additional support for farmers, including new tractors for mechanization and a Lake Albert ferry to ease transportation of produce.

Despite highlighting ongoing development in electricity, education, and health services, Museveni said that real economic progress must start at the household level.

Museveni encouraged residents to adopt commercial agriculture models and warned against relying on public infrastructure alone for income.

Museveni reaffirmed that the government will continue to protect farmers’ interests, ensure transparency in agricultural programmes, and hold accountable any officials who mismanage support funds such as the Parish Development Model.