Namayingo Sugar Factory Saga: DPC Recorded Taking Bribe to Shutdown the Factory

Leaders and residents of Namayingo district are demanding the transfer of their District Police Commander, Joseph Kamukama.

Several accusations have surfaced that the DPC has been taking bribes and also connected to the theft of equipment at the CN sugar factory construction site.

At a Monday joint meeting organised by Trevor Baleke, the Namayingo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, the community’s frustration was evident.

Several district leaders boldly came forward to accuse DPC-Kamukama of openly acting as an agent for Bugiri Sugar Factory.

They further alleged that he repeatedly tried to influence them to oppose the establishment of the CN sugar factory within the district, promising them some financial reward in return.

According to the district leaders, Kamukama’s actions are not only corrupt but also detrimental to the district’s potential for development and job creation.

In the telephone recordings obtained by this website, the DPC is heard advising the district vice chairperson to accept money from the already-established Bugiri sugar factory.

Earlier, this money was meant to persuade the leaders to oppose the new competitor (CN factory).

The DPC is also heard warning that if the vice chairperson declines the offer, then Bugiri sugar factory would divert the money to the trade ministry to suppress the new factory’s progress.

This was witnessed shortly. Although CN Sugar Limited received a certificate of No Objection from the Minister for Trade- Francis Mwebesa in November 2022, granting the company permission to establish its production site.

Surprisingly, the minister, in his letter dated June 17, 2023, reversed the initial decision, citing the shortage of a nucleus estate e shortage of nucleus estate of at least 500 hectares and a network of sugarcane out-growers as the cause for halting the undertaking.

In addition, Kamukama further said: “Look here, Bugiri Sugar factory is willing to pay anyone who would assist in sabotaging their new competitor (CN sugar factory)”.

“All sugar factories in Busoga region are united in their effort to block the new factory (CN) from being set up in the area,” Kamukama told to the district chairperson, in a recorded phone call.

The conversation goes on with Kananura saying: “The Indians (CN factory) had earlier planned to establish the factory at Bugweri but Mayuge and Bigiri sugar factories fought the development. Even if they succeed in setting up the mill, they will close in three years.”

At the Monday meeting, LC5 Chairperson Ronald Ssanya presented a petition to the office of the Inspector General of Police, including audio recordings that expose the misconduct and unprofessionalism of the District Police Commander (DPC).

“I have decided to stand up for the people of Namayingo, even if it puts my life at risk. We need the CN sugar factory in our district,” Ssanya declared.

He also requested the transfer of DPC Kamukama from Namayingo, and his office confirmed they received the request.

At the end of last month, police, led by Joseph Kamukama, raided the CN sugar factory, dispersing workers and management with tear gas and live ammunition.

During the raid, Kamukama confiscated guns from the private security guards and left the site with valuable equipment at risk.

According to the CN sugar factory manager, Rashid Kakungulu, several pieces of equipment used at the construction site were stolen.

“He took guns from our security guards but at the same time did not deploy at the area despite bearing knowledge the place has a lot of expensive machines. There is nothing I could do about the matter since he has already warned me that between me and him the battle is personal, and I have the recordings.” Kakungulu reveals.

The DPC prevented residents from going to work at the CN sugar factory construction site and even in sugarcane plantations, causing widespread distress among the residents.

Ibrahim Mukisa, a supplier of construction materials, highlighted that a majority of people were left unemployed, leading to increased idleness in the area. Approximately 800 workers lost their jobs as a result.

In response, DRDC Trevor Baleke acknowledged the wrongdoing of the DPC. On behalf of the government, he apologized for the mistreatment of workers and the investors involved.

He instructed the DPC not to deploy forces to CN sugar factory without his explicit approval. Additionally, he directed him to ensure the return of the missing equipment to dispel any suspicions, noting the equipment’s disappearance right after the police disarmed the security guards.

“I have people accusing security of stealing equipment, please let us return the missing equipment and then let the ministry perform its duties. There are no instructions commanding us to close CN sugar written to my office or the DPC.” Baleke noted.