KAMPALA – A delegation of senior Tanzania government officials have toured several sugar factories in Uganda to certain the quality of Ugandan sugar.
The Tanzania officials, led by Minister of Agriculture Japeth Hasunga, visited Kakira Sugar Ltd, Lugazi Sugar (SCOUL), Kinyara Sugar (Masindi), and Hoima Sugar.
According to the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperative, Amelia Kyambadde, who guided the visitors, said it was proved that Uganda produces good sugar and has surplus to supply to the Tanzanian market.
The Ministers and Tanzanian Delegation were pleased with good machinery, good production, enough stock and good storage, CSR programme and generation of own power among others in the factories.
The visit comes after Tanzania blocked Ugandan sugar on claims that it is of poor quality. However, the sugar was allowed into the country following a meeting between Presidents Yoweri Museveni and John Joseph Pombe Magufuli
Uganda is the biggest sugar producer in the EAC with production currently being 550,000tons, consumption at 360,000 tons and 150,000 tons available for export; with Kenya being Uganda’s biggest consumer.
The purpose of this visit was to effect resolutions of the Presidents, which were to ascertain originality and capacity of sugar production in Uganda and improve the business/trade relations between the two countries.
