First Sugar Due in September 2026- Atiak Sugar

Parliament has learned that following a UGX 668.710 billion investment in the Atiak Sugar Factory, Ugandans can expect the first production of sugar from the factory in September 2026.

This announcement was made by David Bahati, the Minister of State for Industries, during a plenary session where Parliament was reviewing the UGX 1.105 trillion Supplementary Expenditure Schedule No. 5 for the fiscal year 2025/26.

The government revealed that it has spent UGX 37.9 billion to capitalize the Uganda Development Corporation as part of the additional investment in the Atiak Sugar Factory. Minister Bahati’s comments came after concerns were raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who argued that Parliament risks being seen as a facilitator of fraud by approving funds exceeding UGX 668 billion, while the factory has yet to produce any sugar. In defense of the government’s investment in the Atiak Sugar Factory, Minister Bahati emphasized that the project is expected to transform the economy of Northern Uganda. He stated, “Many of you who come from Northern Uganda know how important this project will be.

We have provided funding for the Atiak Sugar Factory to undertake several activities, including establishing an irrigation system that will help mitigate the impacts of changing weather conditions and ensure proper sugar cane production.” However, the Leader of the Opposition expressed doubts about the government’s timeline for the factory’s first sugar production in September 2026 and demanded clarification on the government’s stake in the Atiak Sugar Factory.

Anthony Akol, the Member of Parliament for Kilak North, urged Ugandans to be patient, pointing out that it is not only MPs who are concerned about the delays at the Atiak Sugar Factory but also the residents of Amuru District, where the factory is located.