Police seize 24 tonnes of stolen sugarcane amid weighbridge scandal in Masindi
Police in Masindi District have recovered 24 tonnes of stolen sugarcane from Kinyara Sugar Ltd, which was diverted to a weighbridge operated by the Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Union. The cane, intended for Kinyara, was diverted to the Rukondwa weighbridge on October 13. The driver fled after delivering the sugarcane, but two loaders, Denis Owili Okech and Denis Okello, were arrested and led authorities to the weighbridge.
The case has raised concerns over reopened weighbridges, suspected of aiding illegal trade in Uganda’s sugar industry. These facilities were initially closed by the Trade Minister due to their role in sugarcane theft but were reopened after lobbying by local cooperatives. Farmers have reported increased theft and are now forced to hire private security to protect their crops. Investigations are ongoing.
