A Battle for All Ugandans: Ssenyonyi Condemns Coffee Bill Chaos and Governance Failures

Many things in that our beautiful house have been done outside the law

Following the controversial dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the nation is grappling with what opposition figures call a fundamental "governance crisis."

In a powerful interview on NBS TV, Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition and MP for Nakawa West, shared a scathing critique of the bill’s passing, which he argues is symptomatic of deeper issues within the government.

“It’s not a battle for the MPs but for all Ugandans,” Ssenyonyi stated, underscoring that the stakes are higher than a single bill. "Whether it's a loss or a win, we should remember it’s for all Ugandans."

He lambasted the way the bill was passed, claiming it circumvented due process through intimidation and opacity. "They knew they would lose if they engaged us in rules and intellectual discourse, so they decided to use violence, chaos, and numbers," he charged, pointing to moments when journalists were allegedly barred from the proceedings and power cuts interrupted debates. “Museveni held the remote,” he added, insinuating that the government orchestrated the disruptions.

Ssenyonyi went on to question the rationale behind selective rationalisation of agencies while leaving other bodies untouched. “Why is he not rationalising his cabinet? We know these are strategic entities.

For example, why isn’t the Uganda Revenue Authority under the Ministry of Finance?” He further criticised the expanding role of the State House and the addition of special presidential advisors, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and Deputy RDCs, which he argues are political appointments rather than genuine agents of public service.

The Leader of the Opposition painted a picture of a “broken country” weighed down by corruption and patronage. "This is politics of patronage, and corruption continues to thrive,” he stated, warning that service delivery will only worsen under the current governance structures.

As the opposition, he said, “We have been the vanguard of small, efficient government while President Museveni adds special advisors and RDCs.” He also voiced concerns over continued borrowing, “and we don’t even know for what.”

Ssenyonyi’s remarks highlight the opposition’s commitment to pushing back against what he calls the “desecration” of the law. He referenced recent tours in Soroti, Abim, Kamuli, and Karamoja, where people expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government.

"People are yearning for change, and we will continue to engage with the people," he said, emphasising that the opposition will persist in its advocacy for a Uganda that priorities transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Despite the setbacks, Ssenyonyi concluded with a message of resilience. "This is a genuine cause and a cause for millions of Ugandans, and we will pick ourselves up and keep going.

We have sharpened our minds and our rules." He reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to standing on behalf of the Ugandan people and raising critical issues affecting the nation.

As the country reflects on the “coffee aftermath,” it becomes clear that the debate surrounding UCDA’s dissolution is far from over.

For Ssenyonyi and other opposition leaders, the fight continues—not just over coffee, but for a governance model that serves the people of Uganda, priorities transparency, and promotes genuine development