Uganda sugar industry hits 700,000 tons annually
Uganda generates 700,000 metric tons of sugar each year, with Trade Minister David Bahati announcing the figures at the National Sugar Council inauguration. Domestic markets absorb 450,000 tons while exporters ship 250,000 tons abroad.
The sector directly employs over 20,000 workers and indirectly supports another 150,000 jobs. Annual tax revenue reaches 500 billion shillings, accounting for 5 percent of national economic output.
Officials plan to manufacture industrial-grade sugar locally rather than importing it for factories. The government amended the Sugar Act in 2020 and created regulations for the council that Parliament will review.
The ministry will deliver quarterly Cabinet reports tracking council performance under the tenfold growth initiative. The new body aims to coordinate stakeholders, enforce fair trading standards, and strengthen the regional market position.
