The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Frank Tumwebaze, has assured the public that the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) remains fully operational until President Museveni assents to the recently passed National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Tumwebaze emphasized that all UCDA activities, including the ongoing registration of coffee farmers and their gardens, will continue without interruption.
He called on stakeholders to support the process aimed at streamlining Uganda’s coffee industry.
“I appeal to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and LC5 chairpersons to back these efforts. The registration exercise is vital for effective planning and the sustainable development of the coffee sector,” Tumwebaze stated.
Seamless Transition Assured
Once the National Coffee Bill is signed into law, the UCDA will be dissolved and its functions integrated into the Coffee Development Department under MAAIF.
Tumwebaze reassured stakeholders that the transition will be smooth, with no disruption to operations or loss of technical expertise.
“The professionals currently serving at UCDA will remain in place under the new departmental structure to ensure continuity and stability in the sector,” he added.
Contentious Dissolution
The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which proposes the dissolution of UCDA after 32 years of operation, has sparked heated debate and opposition from various sections of the public and some Members of Parliament.
Despite the backlash, Parliament voted to advance the bill, citing the need for greater efficiency and alignment with MAAIF’s broader agricultural mandate.
Tumwebaze urged stakeholders to remain calm and patient as the transition unfolds, reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the coffee sector’s progress and ensuring its continued growth.
The proposed changes come as Uganda seeks to strengthen its position as one of the leading coffee producers in the world, with the sector contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
