MPs Rally Against Rationalization of Coffee  Authority

The MPs highlighted the significant revenue UCDA generates, contributing USD 221.63 million to the national economy.

Members of Parliament from Bugisu and Buganda have urged the Agriculture Committee to reject the government's proposal to rationalize the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), emphasizing its critical role in supporting the livelihoods of coffee farmers.

The MPs highlighted the significant revenue UCDA generates, contributing USD 221.63 million to the national economy.

During a session with the Agriculture Committee, the Buganda caucus described the proposed three-year transition period as detrimental to the coffee sector.

MP Lulume Muwanga articulated concerns over shifting oversight of coffee from UCDA to the Ministry of Agriculture, stating, “Many regions are now rolling out to grow coffee... Ethiopia is going to export 3 billion coffee seedlings to boost their coffee industry. But here you are, rolling back coffee to an agency that has no capacity.”

Muwanga, who also chairs the Public Accounts Committee, criticized the Ministry's performance, asserting it had “failed on almost everything,” describing it as “one of the most incompetent” ministries.

Allan Mayanja (Nakaseke Central) echoed these concerns, rejecting the proposed three-year transition without clear justification. He asked, “Why not five? Why not ten years? Why are we legislating in anticipation?”

Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South) questioned the rationale behind the proposed rationalization, asserting that UCDA is not a burden on the government.

“It is able to make money which is higher than its own budget,” he remarked, highlighting UCDA's generation of Shs 82 billion in 2023/2024, exceeding its budget of Shs 44.76 billion.

Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera DWR) cautioned that abolishing UCDA would severely impact coffee farmers.

“We need to be careful... UCDA has done so much to ensure that the coffee sector stays as it is,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many constituents who rely on coffee for their livelihoods.

MPs from the Bugisu Parliamentary Group expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the three-year timeline for the Ministry of Agriculture to gain international accreditation to export coffee.

Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West) noted, “World over, it is UCDA that is known... for Ministry of Agriculture to become credited, it is not less than 5 years.”

He underscored the potential repercussions of rationalizing UCDA, warning that it could jeopardize Uganda’s coffee exports. “When UCDA is no more, it means the accreditation collapses,” Mafabi stressed.

The committee has been working under considerable pressure, with whispers of an attempt to push the law through without adequate scrutiny.

As the debate continues, the future of Uganda's coffee sector hangs in the balance, with MPs advocating for the preservation of an agency that they believe is vital to the nation’s agricultural success.