Summary:
- Kathembo urges Kasese legislators to set aside party affiliations and work together to advocate for a reversal of this decision.
KASESE: Fatuma Kamama Kathembo, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for the Kasese District Woman Parliamentary Seat, has called on legislators from Kasese to advise the government to reconsider the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024.
This bill proposes dissolving the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and transferring its responsibilities to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), in line with the government’s policy to streamline public agencies and reduce expenditure.
Kathembo argues that coffee farmers, who are directly involved in the industry, should be consulted as key stakeholders. She urges Kasese legislators to set aside party affiliations and work together to advocate for a reversal of this decision.
Meanwhile, Mulindwa Walid Lubega, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) deputy secretary for publicity, has voiced strong opposition to the merger, fearing it would reduce UCDA to a “mere desk” within MAAIF.
He highlights UCDA’s significant achievements in improving coffee quality and boosting exports, cautioning that these gains could be jeopardized by the merger.
“The President’s recent letter supporting the merger cited external influences opposing rationalization. However, the FDC refutes this, pointing to failed rationalization attempts in Ethiopia and Kenya, where coffee production declined post-merger,” Lubega said.
Lubega also questioned MAAIF’s capacity to effectively manage Uganda’s coffee industry, citing examples of past mismanagement, including alleged embezzlement of funds allocated for the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine.
“In the 2023/24 budget, Parliament allocated about $176 million (UGX 668.6 billion) for 88 million doses of the vaccine, yet MAAIF has not procured them despite receiving the funds,” he noted.
Advocating for UCDA’s autonomy, Lubega called for increased funding to maximize its impact. He proposed enhancing partnerships among UCDA, MAAIF, and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination, support farmer-focused policies that ensure fair prices, and promote sustainable practices.
Lubega urged the government to carefully weigh rationalization against the needs of coffee industry stakeholders and Uganda’s economic interests, while encouraging coffee farmers to stay engaged in ongoing discussions.
Last week, Uganda’s Parliament held a heated first reading of the bill, with Hon. Linda Auma, the Lira District Woman MP and Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, presenting the majority report recommending the merger. Hon. Asinansi Nyakato, Hoima City Woman MP, opposed it in a minority report. After a vigorous debate, Parliament voted 159 in favor and 77 against, advancing the bill to its second reading. Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among then adjourned the House sine die.
Uganda, renowned for its high-quality coffee, ranks among Africa’s top producers. In 2023/24, the country’s coffee exports reached a record $1.14 billion the highest in 30 years due in large part to UCDA’s regulation, which has consistently improved coffee quality and secured favorable prices for farmers.
The Uganda Coffee Roasters Association (UCRA) continues to promote value addition and domestic coffee consumption, aiming to expand Uganda’s market share for roasted coffee. Coffee growing remains a vital sector, employing over 12.5 million Ugandans.
