Legislators from Western Uganda, including Francis Mwijukye, Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, Asinansi Nyakato and Dr. Patrick Isingoma, have vehemently opposed the Coffee Amendment Bill 2024.
At a joint press conference at Parliament, they condemned the bill's proposal to rationalise the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), citing threats to coffee quality, market promotion, expertise and regulations ¹ ².
"The government's insistence on passing this bill raises questions about whose interests they're serving," said Mp Nyakato. "All stakeholders who appeared before the Agricultural committee rejected the bill."
Mp Mwijukye emphasised, "Museveni is not a coffee farmer; he doesn't understand the sector's needs."
The MPs argued that merging UCDA with the Ministry of Agriculture would undermine its effectiveness and compromise coffee quality.
Farmers in Western Uganda, who have turned to coffee cultivation following declining tea prices, stand to lose from the bill's passage.
To mobilize resistance, the legislators have launched a regional campaign, urging Western Uganda coffee farmers to reject the legislation.
They demand President Museveni address cabinet duplication issues before proceeding with the bill.
