The Buganda and Bugisu Parliamentary Caucuses have intensified their protest against the government’s decision to transfer the functions of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to the Ministry of Agriculture.
This contentious move has sparked a heated debate with MPs from these coffee-growing regions voicing strong opposition, warning that the transfer could jeopardize Uganda’s most valuable agricultural export.
Leading the charge against the proposal is Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County), Chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus. Appearing before Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, which is currently reviewing the rationalization bills under the agriculture sector, Kivumbi questioned why the government is “gambling” with a sector that is performing well.
“Many regions are now rolling out coffee-growing initiatives, and Uganda is expected to become a major coffee exporter. But look at what Ethiopia has done—they’re exporting 3 billion coffee seedlings this year to boost their industry. Meanwhile, we are rolling back coffee to an agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, that can’t manage it,” Kivumbi remarked.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, good as it is, has failed in so many areas. I also chair the Public Accounts Committee, and in all the parameters we’ve looked at, this ministry is one of the most incompetent. So why gamble with a sector that is already doing well?”
Kivumbi’s remarks followed MPs, who also expressed doubts about the government’s plan, particularly the proposed three-year transition period for the UCDA to hand over its functions to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Allan Mayanja (Nakaseke Central) was particularly critical of the timeline, calling it unjustified. “The government hasn’t provided a clear explanation for the three years. Why not five? Why not ten or twenty? We are legislating in anticipation without real justification. I request that we maintain the status quo and reject this bill,” Mayanja argued.
MPs also raised concerns over the financial implications of dissolving UCDA. Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South) questioned the rationale behind the move, highlighting the financial success of UCDA.
“This agency is far from being parasitic. It’s generating income well above its budget and contributing significantly to the national coffers. UCDA generated Shs82Bn in 2023/2024, which is nearly double its budget of Shs44.76Bn. Why rationalize an agency that’s not only self-sufficient but also a revenue earner for the country? It defeats the purpose,” Bayiga explained.
Bayiga’s concerns were underscored by Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman Representative), who emphasized the impact this decision could have on coffee farmers in her constituency.
“I have moved through all the villages in Kyotera, and this is the talk on everyone’s lips—‘Our coffee is going.’ The people know what UCDA has done to keep the coffee sector thriving. We need to be careful with this decision because coffee is the only source of income many of our people have left,” Nantongo urged, calling on MPs from coffee-growing areas to rally behind the sector.
Meanwhile, MPs from the Bugisu Parliamentary Group, a region known for its vibrant coffee industry, expressed serious reservations about the government’s plan. Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West), Chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union, questioned the three-year transition period, arguing that it would take much longer for the Ministry of Agriculture to gain the necessary international accreditation to export coffee.
“Worldwide, UCDA is recognized, and the only seal allowed for coffee exports is UCDA’s. For the Ministry of Agriculture to get such accreditation, it would take at least five years. You can’t replace UCDA overnight,” Mafabi warned. He further explained the intricacies of international coffee exports, noting, “When you export coffee, UCDA does the capping, certifies it, and then seals the containers. This certification is recognized globally, and importing countries won’t accept coffee without it. The Ministry of Agriculture doesn’t have that capability yet.”
The concerns raised by MPs reflect the high stakes involved in Uganda’s coffee sector, which remains the country’s top agricultural export. Coffee contributes significantly to household incomes, particularly in regions like Buganda, Bugisu, and the western parts of the country. With UCDA playing a crucial role in regulating the sector, many MPs argue that dismantling the agency could set back years of progress.
Fortunate Nantongo warned of the dire consequences for coffee farmers if UCDA is abolished. “Throwing the coffee sector to the Ministry of Agriculture without a clear plan will push farmers into a deep pit. UCDA has done so much to ensure that the coffee sector stays on track, and now farmers are worried. We need to fight for them,” she implored the Agriculture Committee.
As Parliament deliberates on the future of UCDA, the MPs from Buganda and Bugisu remain united in their resolve to protect the coffee industry from what they see as an ill-advised government gamble.
The stakes are high, and the outcome will have lasting implications for Uganda’s economy, particularly in regions where coffee farming is the lifeblood of local communities.
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