Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, David Bahati, has commended Uganda’s sugar industry for its remarkable growth and economic contribution during the inauguration of the newly formed National Sugar Council.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Bahati revealed that Uganda now produces 700,000 metric tons of sugar annually — 450,000 tons for local consumption and 250,000 tons for export — marking a major milestone in the country’s agro-industrial transformation.
“The sugar industry now directly employs over 20,000 Ugandans and indirectly supports more than 150,000 others. It contributes about Shs500 billion in taxes and 5% to our GDP, which clearly reflects Uganda’s industrial progress,” Bahati stated.
He emphasized that the next phase of industrial sugar production will focus on value addition, aiming to reduce the importation of industrial-grade sugar used by local factories.
This initiative, he said, will further boost the sector’s competitiveness and export potential within the region.
Bahati reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring sector sustainability and transparency through the amendment of the Sugar Act (2020) and the establishment of the Sugar Industry Council.
Regulations guiding the council’s operations have already been tabled in Parliament.
He also pledged that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives will submit quarterly reports to Cabinet on the council’s performance, strengthening accountability and accelerating progress under Uganda’s 10-fold growth program.
“The inauguration of the National Sugar Council is a vital step toward improved governance, innovation, and inclusiveness in the sugar industry. It is part of our broader agenda to industrialize Uganda and safeguard the economic gains achieved so far,” Bahati said.
The newly established council is expected to harmonize stakeholder interests, promote fair trade practices, and position Uganda as a key player in the regional sugar market.
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