An Eritrean directing the tractor to cover the trench dug by workers of Victoria Sugar Company to block their access road
A sharp dispute has erupted between Eritrean and Indian investors over access roads leading to their farms in Luwero District. The row pits Ammars Agro Limited, owned by Eritrean investors, against Victoria Sugar Limited, run by Indian investors.
Ammars Agro Limited manages 170 acres of pineapples, 50 acres of bananas, and 180 acres of maize at plots 2 and 3, block 756, in Kibaaga village, Butuntumula Sub-County in Luwero district.
Victoria Sugar Limited operates 54 hectares of sugarcane on block 720 plot 20, also in Butuntumula.
Recently, Victoria Sugar Limited workers dug trenches to cut off access roads leading to Ammars Agro farms, leaving them stranded with agricultural produce.
On August 4, Petros Fissahaye, Director of Ammars Agro Limited, petitioned the Minister of Presidency, Milly Babalanda, protesting the blockade at a time when crops were ready for harvest.
“Over 90 tons of pineapples and 150 tons of maize are ready for harvesting, but the roads were closed, something that affects not only us but the entire value chain, including consumers. Our machinery can’t move or refuel because the access roads were closed,” reads the letter.
In response, Sr. Mary Grace Akiror, Deputy Head of the Resident District Commissioners’ Secretariat, on August 14 wrote to the Luwero Deputy RDC directing her to convene an urgent security committee to ensure the road is reopened.
“Victoria Sugar Limited is requested to comply with the position of the District Security Committee, bearing in mind that there are laws governing the nation that must be respected. Failure to do so, DSC shall have no other option but to enforce appropriate laws within the mandate,” the letter warned.
Godfrey Bogere, an agribusiness consultant at Ammars Agro, said the company previously lost millions when Victoria Sugar blocked the same road last year. He accused the sugar firm of trying to frustrate them into selling their land.
But Victoria Sugar Limited officials defended their actions. Supervisor Aggrey Manyi said Ammars’ heavy trucks were destroying the roads and the company was unwilling to contribute to maintenance costs.
Human Resource Manager, Esther Ayoko added that the blockade was also meant to protect sugarcane fields from arson and theft. However, Luwero LC5 Chairperson, Erastus Kibirango accused Victoria Sugar of impunity, saying the company had previously blocked another road in Ndibulungi village and built a perimeter wall without approval.
On Monday, Luwero Deputy RDC Sarah Nakitende, backed by police, intervened at Ammars Agro Limited and ordered the immediate reopening of the access roads. She also met Victoria Sugar officials, urging the two companies to coexist.
It remains unclear whether Victoria Sugar will comply with the RDC’s directive, given their earlier defiance of district authorities, leaving Ammars Agro Limited in distress.
-URN
