Aswa Regional police in Northern Uganda is investigating a fire incident that razed down part of the sugarcane plantations belonging to Atiak Sugar factory in Amuru district.
According to the case file under investigation (“Setting fire on growing crops (sugarcane) Vide ATIAK CRB 86/2020), the plantation is suspected to have been set on fire by yet to be identified people.
Regional spokesperson ASP Patrick Okema told ChimpReports that a report was received on 27th December 2020 at about 1300 hours at Atiak police station, Amuru District that a sugar cane plantation belonging to Horyal sugar Investment Holdings Limited Atiak was set on fire by unknown persons.
The Police fire and rescue team from Elegu Border station was informed immediately and rushed to the scene for rescue.
A joint team led by police and sister security agencies from Atiak also visited and documented the scene.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the fire which burnt the sugar cane plantation started from the south- Eastern part of the Plantation (Aswa River side),” said Patrick Okema.
“It was found out that the fire lines were very narrow which made it easy for fire to spread and the responsibility of sugar cane plantation protection was shifted to Out Growers Cooperation,” he added.
Apparently, detectives are tracing for some suspects for possible arrest and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the management of Atiak sugar said that in a short period, they will ascertain the numbers of acres destroyed by fire and their value.
This factory was recently commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni. It is owned by entrepreneur Amina Moghe Hersi and the Ugandan government holds 41 percent shares through the Uganda Development Corporation.
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