By Brian Atuhura
Leaders in Masindi District have approved the relocation of weighbridges as part of new measures aimed at addressing the growing problem of sugarcane theft affecting farmers in the district.

The decision was reached during an extraordinary council meeting held on Tuesday last week,where councilors deliberated on a motion presented by the Secretary for Production, Geoffrey Kiiza Bigabwa, outlining a series of recommendations to strengthen regulation of the sugarcane trade.

While presenting the motion,the Secretary for Production tabled 13 recommendations intended to curb the theft of sugarcane and improve accountability in the transportation and marketing of the crop.The council approved the proposals with several amendments aimed at tightening enforcement.

Among the key resolutions adopted was a directive requiring all vehicles transporting sugarcane to be clearly labeled with the name or abbreviation of the company they represent, together with their number plates,to ease identification and traceability.

Council also resolved that weighbridges should be strategically located along major transportation routes and operated by licenced companies handling sugarcane.The move is intended to regulate the weighing process and ensure compliance with provisions of the Sugar Act 2025 and it's regulations.

In addition, council directed that all vehicles carrying sugarcane must obtain a weighbridge docket,with both the transporter and the farmer retaining copies for record and accountability purposes.

District leaders noted that the new measures are expected to enhance transparency in the sugarcane value chain, protect farmers from losses,and restore confidence among growers who have repeatedly raised concerns over theft and irregular cane transportation.

The council emphasized that strict enforcement of the new guidelines will be key to safeguarding the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers across the district.