For the last five years, locals have been providing out grower services in order to earn steady income, we have established that the company adopted the out-grower scheme in 2015, and has now expanded to reap from 8,000 hectares of out-growers alone, in addition to their nucleus of 3,800 hectares. This implies that 65 per cent of the company’s cane is produced by out-growers.
Hoima Sugar Ltd, a cane processing factory operating in the area since 2011,
For the last five years, locals have been providing out grower services in order to earn steady income.
Sunday Monitor has established that the company adopted the out-grower scheme in 2015, and has now expanded to reap from 8,000 hectares of out-growers alone, in addition to their nucleus of 3,800 hectares. This implies that 65 per cent of the company’s cane is produced by out-growers.
The company has not only expanded its wings to cover 163 villages in Kikuube and Hoima, but also come up with vast opportunities such as employment and market for the locals.
By the time of our visit last week, Hoima Sugar had a registered pool of 3,500 farmers as out-growers.
What leaders say
Francis Kazini Twinomujuni, Kikuube District chairperson: ‘‘Most of the benefits are clearly visible. Talk of employment opportunities; the youth have been given jobs. There are also private truck owners that are aiding the company’s fleet with trucks to ease their mobility. A number of roads have been constructed and we are very grateful as the district administration. We are hopeful that soon, they will set up a health centre III to ease access to improved health care.’’
‘‘This factory has done a lot for the people of Kikuube and the entire region. When you see the infrastructure there, connecting the factory and the nearby population to the main road, it’s amazing. Then, there is the aspect of employment. When you go to the factory during lunch time, it’s when you will tell the magnitude of work. Kiswaza is becoming a stop point for many people.’’ Richard Tabaaro Amooti, RDC Kikuube revealed.
Chairman of outgrowers; Mr Birungi “We have asked Management to write on the sugar bags, Hoima Sugar, Produced in Kikuube. Our new district should be known for the good things that re coming from here,” RDC Tabaaro said.
