Kayunga authorities raise alarm over forest, wetland loss to sugarcane

Authorities in Kayunga District have raised concern over the destruction of forests and wetlands to pave way for sugarcane growing, warning that continued environmental degradation could turn parts of the district into a desert.

The concern is particularly acute in Bbaale County, where district officials say large sections of tree cover and wetlands have been cleared for sugarcane plantations since the early 2000s.

Sugar companies, including GM Sugar, Kakira Sugar Works and SCOUL, as well as smallholder farmers, currently operate sugarcane plantations in the district.