Packing this rough, woody crop is heavy going and making sure every inch of space is utilized is key.
Transport costs money, after all, and this humble sugar farmer has lots of costs to consider.
“There are many challenges in this business,” Banuli says. “Rent for our land costs about $300 and then you need to pay people to clear the land.
“You have to hire a tractor for ploughing and tilling the land. When you add up all these expenses, it’s a big investment.”
Searching for Sugarman
In Uganda, sugar is big business.
This particular batch is headed for Kakira Sugar Limited — one of the country’s oldest and largest factories.
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“Before KORD I was just useless,” said Beatrice Katende, who has received assistance from the body’s programs. “I used to work as a casual laborer for other people in the community digging in their gardens to get some income.
“When KORD came into existence we learned to farm, to save and how to be self-sufficient.”
Through offering a hand up to people like Katende, Kakira hope to help themselves as well as provide assistance to other areas of the local economy.
“The main vision was to always make sure that there is labor supply always available to work at the factory. The excess can go and work in other industries in the country,” Barungi said.
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