The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has criticised remarks made by Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, regarding government interventions in the coffee sector.
Responding to Mayiga’s statement that suggested any government interference with coffee would impact Buganda directly, Baryomunsi called the commentary “misguided.”
The exchange centers on recent discussions about Uganda’s coffee trade, a vital sector that significantly contributes to the country’s economy.
Buganda has historically been a major player in Uganda’s coffee production, and Mayiga’s comments reflected concerns from farmers and stakeholders within Buganda who worry that government policies could harm local producers.
Baryomunsi argued that the government’s plans are intended to strengthen and modernize the coffee industry to benefit all Ugandans, not only those in Buganda.
“Trying to say that touching coffee means touching Buganda is a misguided commentary in my view,” he said, adding that such comments could promote division and misunderstandings among Ugandans about the government’s intentions.
The tension between the government and the Buganda Kingdom highlights the complex balance between national policy and local interests, particularly within Buganda, which is deeply rooted in coffee production. Baryomunsi urged stakeholders to view government reforms as beneficial to Uganda’s economy as a whole, rather than a threat to specific regions.
The debate continues to draw attention as Ugandan leaders work to find common ground on how to best support