KAMPALA – The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is in pursuit of UGx 35 billion to implement a coffee traceability system, aiming to comply with European Union regulations restricting agriculture products, like coffee, from deforested areas.
Janet Okori-Moe, Chairperson of Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, emphasized the necessity of the traceability system, which registers various coffee value chain participants.
However, Dickson Kateshumbwa, Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament, questioned the hefty budget, particularly scrutinizing the proposed Shs 35 billion for the traceability system.
UCDA is also requesting an additional Shs 13.952 billion for various unfunded critical issues, including promoting Uganda’s coffee internationally and constructing a coffee hub in Kyambogo.
Kateshumbwa raised concerns about the allocation of funds, questioning the need for Shs 1.2 billion for a coffee hub and Shs 1.5 billion for coffee promotion in China.
These discussions unfold as Parliament gears up to review the 2024/25 National Budget Framework Paper during Thursday’s plenary sitting.
