Museveni Engages Buganda, Bukedi MPs Over Controversial Coffee Bill

During the discussions, Buganda NRM MPs articulated the anxieties of farmers about the proposed dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

President Museveni convened a meeting today with Members of Parliament from Buganda and Bukedi representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to address concerns regarding the contentious coffee bill.

During the discussions, Buganda NRM MPs articulated the anxieties of farmers about the proposed dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

They expressed fears that this move could pave the way for a monopoly in the coffee sector.

The MPs were firm in their stance, asserting that if UCDA were to be abolished, the government must substantially increase its agricultural budget to provide adequate support for farmers.

They also urged that the coffee bill incorporate provisions for regular performance reports on the coffee sector, ensuring transparency and safeguarding the interests of growers.

In response, President Museveni dismissed the allegations of potential monopoly formation, characterising the ongoing coffee debate as marred by misinformation.

He attributed recent fluctuations in coffee prices to global market dynamics, particularly adverse conditions affecting major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam.

The decision to meet the Buganda MPs appears to be founded in central region's strong oppositing to the merger of UCDA.

Many stakeholders fear that scrapping the agency could lead to market instability, which would disproportionately impact small-scale farmers.

Coffee farming is not just a livelihood but a cultural cornerstone for many Ugandans, particularly in Buganda, where the crop has historically been significant.

Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga has voiced strong concerns about the government's controversial push to scrap the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), warning that such a move would jeopardise the livelihoods of nearly two million Ugandan households.

Buganda Kingdom’s Prime Minister last week took a strong stance on the issue, saying coffee farming is critical to the survival of many Ugandans and urged farmers to persist in their efforts despite political wrangling.

Buganda, a prominent contributor to Uganda's coffee exports, has long championed the 'Emmwanyi Terimba' initiative, which encourages coffee farming across the kingdom and beyond.

With Baganda farmers reportedly contributing nearly 50% of the nation’s coffee exports, scrapping UCDA has raised concerns among community leaders who view it as a punitive measure aimed at weakening the Buganda region’s influence in the coffee sector.

The Katikkiro argued that the amendment, supported by Speaker Anita Among and others, may be politically motivated, framing it as a “victory” against the Baganda people.

In a recent tweet, the Katikkiro assured coffee farmers of the kingdom’s unwavering support and called on Ugandans to focus on safeguarding their livelihoods.

“Emmwanyi Terimba Initiative will go on unabated,” he tweeted, referring to the kingdom's efforts to promote coffee farming. “I urge Baganda (and other Ugandans) to continue growing coffee: your livelihood is more important than the motives of present-day politicians.”

Museveni Pushes Ahead

At Tuesday's meeting, President Museveni acknowledged the historical hurdles in coffee marketing, stating that the ineffectiveness of the previous coffee marketing board prompted the establishment of UCDA.

However, he conceded that UCDA's effectiveness has diminished over time and proposed its reintegration into the Ministry of Agriculture to better serve farmers.

Museveni emphasized the financial requirements for revitalising the coffee sector, estimating that over Shs2 trillion would be necessary to enhance service delivery and bolster support for Uganda's coffee industry.

As the meeting concluded, the president urged the MPs to back the coffee bill, framing it as a vital initiative for advancing the agricultural landscape and improving the welfare of coffee growers.

With discussions ongoing, the future of Uganda's coffee sector remains uncertain, with the MPs' concerns weighing heavily on the outcome.