Kyagulanyi pledges fair prices, stronger voice for sugarcane farmers

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National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi has pledged policy reforms aimed at improving incomes for sugarcane farmers, criticising pricing structures that he says leave growers poor despite a thriving sugar industry and rising exports.

The NUP candidate said his government would prioritise farmer welfare by ensuring that growers have a decisive say in setting cane prices and in managing key sectors of the economy.

He made the remarks in Buikwe on Wednesday (November 26), where he was campaigning in his bid for the presidency ahead of next year's general elections.

(Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Buikwe residents cheering Kyagulanyi. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

“Sugar factories are doing well, and Uganda exports tonnes of sugar, but the farmer remains struggling,” Kyagulanyi told supporters at Kasoga playground. “Under our government, farmers will have a voice, and sugarcane growing will be profitable again.”

The opposition leader argued that prices paid to farmers are largely controlled by a few market players, which he claimed disadvantages local growers, many of whom are trapped in debt cycles and seasonal poverty.

He said empowering cooperatives, strengthening the regulation of millers, and increasing Ugandan participation across the value chain would restore fairness in the sector.

Kyagulanyi’s remarks come amid longstanding complaints by farmers in Buikwe and neighbouring districts over fluctuating cane prices, delayed payments, and high input costs, even as the sugar manufacturing sector continues to expand.

He also called for inter-party cooperation to protect votes ahead of the 2026 general elections, saying credible elections are essential for policies that genuinely serve farmers and other vulnerable groups.

“We must move beyond party lines when it comes to protecting the vote, because any fraudulent act affects all of us,” he said at Nakakumbi playground, his second stopover. “When elections are credible, leaders are accountable to farmers, workers, and ordinary citizens.”

Kyagulanyi, who is contesting the presidency for a second time after the 2021 elections won by Yoweri Museveni, urged supporters to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, while also asking the Electoral Commission to allow all candidates unhindered access to voters.

His campaign activities in Buikwe were disrupted by police roadblocks and teargas for the third consecutive day, incidents Kyagulanyi criticised as unjustified and detrimental to peaceful political engagement.

“What we are doing does not break any law,” he said, adding that equal enforcement of electoral rules is critical to public confidence and to the realisation of policies that uplift farmers and rural communities.

Kyagulanyi urged supporters to remain actively involved in what he described as a collective struggle to build a “New Uganda,” saying meaningful change begins with leadership that listens to farmers and protects their livelihoods.