Opposition stalwart Kizza Besigye, a former presidential candidate and advocate for Uganda’s coffee sector, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to dissolve the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
Dr Besigye argues that the institution has already been stripped of its power and autonomy, and President Museveni’s plan to incorporate the UCDA as a government department would further weaken its effectiveness.
Since taking power, the National Resistance Army (NRA), which later became the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has, according to Besigye, allowed government resources and assets to fall under the control of individuals close to Uganda’s leadership.
He claims that, over the years, many state assets have been seized or weakened, including institutions like the UCDA.
For nearly three weeks, opposition Members of Parliament, activists, and coffee farmers have voiced strong objections to the government’s plan to disband the UCDA.
The debate has sparked intense discussions, with Besigye warning that defending the authority is "a losing battle," likening it to "fighting for a shield with nothing behind it."
Historically, the Ugandan coffee sector has been dominated by foreign interests, and Ugandans have struggled to establish a meaningful stake in it.
Besigye contends that when the NRM assumed power in 1986, they continued to operate in a way that kept control in a select few hands, sidelining local farmers and cooperatives.
He cites the dismantling of Uganda’s cooperatives and the Coffee Marketing Board as examples of actions that concentrated coffee profits among a limited circle.
"Yes, the UCDA has played a role, but the heart of production has long been seized by foreign interests and individuals close to the leadership," Besigye asserts.
He emphasizes that Ugandans are misled into believing they control coffee production, while in reality, the profits are concentrated in the hands of foreigners and those close to the president.
Besigye argues that even if the UCDA were to remain, it would not bring meaningful benefits to Ugandans.
"Whether UCDA stays or goes, nothing will change because those within the institution are aligned with those in power. Nothing can save Uganda’s coffee industry," he claims.
Parliament is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow to debate the proposal, but all signs indicate that, despite opposition efforts, the plan to dissolve the UCDA is likely to proceed.
