NRM Legislator Questions Museveni's Forceful Coffee Policy

Ahead of resumption of business in the August House, a member of the ruling NRM party has stood up to challenge President Museveni's handling of the controversial coffee debate

A member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has penned an open letter to President Museveni, urging him to reconsider the controversial Coffee Bill and questioning the government's leadership approach.

The letter, which was shared publicly, highlights deep concerns regarding the President's handling of key national issues, including the proposed reorganization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

Mr Kaberuka, who represents Kinkizi West in Kanungu District, expressed his frustration as both an NRM cadre and an elected representative.

On Tuesday, the President held meetings with NRM legislators from the central and Bukedi regions and asked them to support the Bill when it returns for debate in Parliament today.

Two weeks ago, Parliament was forced to adjourn sine die after the debate descended into chaos with the Speaker later accused of taking sides in sectarian manners after she was reportedly caught on hot MIC issuing instructions to have the Baganda voices frustrated.

Parliament later denied the Speaker's actions, blaming the video and voices on AI manipulation.

'Criminals'

In his letter, Mr Kaberuka voiced his disappointment with the President's remarks during a recent NRM caucus meeting, where he referred to dissenting MPs as "criminals."

Mr Museveni has adopted a strong and decisive stance on the coffee issue, vowing to crushing all dissenters whom bas described in rather uncouth terms.

The letter strongly criticises the President for using language that the MP described as "unnecessary" and "undemocratic."

"I am bewildered and saddened by your comments in the caucus meeting, where you referred to those of us who oppose the Coffee Bill as criminals," Kaberuka wrote.

"Such language has no place in a democracy. We may disagree, but that does not make us criminals."

The MP also took issue with the lack of transparency and preparation for NRM caucus meetings, citing a recent session that he did not attend.

Mr Kaberuka claimed that MPs were not given proper agendas before the meeting, a practice he deemed disrespectful to both the legislators and the citizenss they represent.

"You cannot board a plane to international meetings without knowing the agenda, so why should NRM MPs be treated as if they don't matter?" he asked.

At the heart of Mr Kaberuka's criticism is the proposed shift of UCDA under the Ministry of Agriculture, a move that has sparked controversy across the coffee farming sector.

The MP argued that farmers and stakeholders are firmly opposed to the reorganization, fearing that it could harm Uganda’s coffee industry, which is vital to the country’s economy.

Mr Kaberuka questioned the Ministry's track record, citing its failure to effectively manage other agricultural sectors such as tea and the fight against diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease.

He also raised concerns about the government’s double standards, pointing out the millions of shillings allocated to various presidential advisory committees and the President’s office while essential sectors like agriculture struggle.

He highlighted inconsistencies in government spending, referencing the controversial allocation of funds to a non-existent specialized hospital project in Lubowa, and the failed Atiak Sugar project, among others.

"Why do you allocate billions to redundant outfits under your office, but fail to adequately support critical sectors like agriculture?" Kaberuka asked.

"This lack of accountability and focus is harming the country."

Kaberuka also took a swipe at the President’s failure to listen to a large number of Presidential Advisors, questioning their effectiveness if their advice is not being considered.

He specifically mentioned Dr Ezra Suruma, the Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs, who had publicly opposed the Coffee Bill but was dismissed without proper consideration of his perspective.

"Why employ advisors if their input is ignored?" Kaberuka wrote. "If President Museveni truly believes in the rationalization policy, why not apply it to streamline the numerous agencies and outfits under his control?"

The letter concluded with a call for more thoughtful and inclusive decision-making ahead of the 2026 elections, warning that alienating Ugandans and disregarding their concerns could have serious consequences for both the NRM party and the President himself.

"We are not against rationalization, but it must be done logically and with the interests of the people in mind. Ugandans deserve better than to be ignored," Kaberuka urged.

The Coffee Bill has sparked significant debate across the political and agricultural sectors, with supporters arguing that the move could streamline operations, while critics fear it could undermine Uganda's coffee industry.

The government's decision on this matter remains a key point of contention as the country looks ahead to future elections.

Mr Kaberuka's letter serves as a pointed reminder to President Museveni and his administration that Ugandans, particularly those in agriculture, are watching closely as they navigate the balance between governance, policy, and public opinion.