Parliament Passes National Coffee Bill, Dissolves UCDA as Opposition Walks Out Amid Chaotic Scenes

Summary:

• Minister of Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze celebrated the passage, pledging his ministry’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s coffee industry.

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KAMPALA: On Wednesday, Parliament passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the agency overseeing coffee regulation.

The bill was passed amid a walkout led by Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, following earlier chaos in the House. Most opposition legislators were absent from the session after Ssenyonyi led the walkout, which came after Speaker Anita Among suspended the plenary twice.

The first suspension, lasting 30 minutes, followed a physical altercation between opposition MPs after State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, introduced the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Repeal Bill, 2024, for a second reading. Moments later, Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, claimed to have seen a firearm in the chamber, an accusation he attempted to address by searching the Speaker’s bodyguard.

His effort was blocked, leading Zaake to approach Kilak North MP, Anthony Akol, who responded with multiple punches to Zaake’s head. The ensuing scuffle led Speaker Among to momentarily exit the chamber for her safety before suspending the House for 30 minutes.

Upon resuming, Speaker Among suspended 12 legislators, including Akol and Zaake, for three consecutive sittings, citing their role in the altercation. Among those suspended were MPs Wakayima Musoke (Nansana Municipality), Shamim Malende (Kampala Woman), Susan Mugabi (Kalangala District Woman), Isaiah Sasaga (Budadiri West), Evans Kanyike (Bukoto East), Asinasi Nyakato (Hoima City Woman), Frank Kabuye (Kassanda North), Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County), Alozyious Mukasa (Rubaga North), and Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East).

Among ruled, “I am proceeding to name the MPs and suspend these members for three consecutive sittings from this House. The Members are suspended with immediate effect…”

Before the opposition walkout, Ssenyonyi criticized the security personnel’s treatment of opposition MPs and the decision to remove journalists from the press gallery, confining them to a conference hall.

He expressed concern over what he called “the sanctity of this House,” noting that opposition members were being “bundled up and beaten.” Journalists were later permitted back in, though without equipment, while streaming of House proceedings resumed on YouTube.

With many opposition members absent, the Speaker fast-tracked consideration of the National Coffee Bill, which passed with 305 votes at 2:40 pm. The bill includes a provision that requires the Agriculture Minister to propose regulatory measures within six months of the law’s enactment to ensure continued oversight of the coffee sub-sector.

Minister of Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze celebrated the passage, pledging his ministry’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s coffee industry.

“Coffee is indeed our premium beverage in this country. We shall continue to ensure the coffee value chain is developed, international markets are accessed, and laboratories operate smoothly,” he said.

Opposition MPs, especially those from coffee-growing regions, have opposed the UCDA’s dissolution, citing concerns that it would harm Uganda’s coffee sector by disrupting international certifications and accreditation processes.

However, the government argued that transitioning UCDA’s functions to a department within the Ministry of Agriculture would cut costs and prevent overlapping roles.

On Tuesday, opposition MPs, joined by coffee farmers and Buganda Kingdom representatives, protested the bill, with some chanting, “Museveni, leave our coffee.”

President Museveni had previously urged the ruling party’s caucus to support the UCDA rationalization, warning the opposition against obstructing the reforms.

The tension persisted, with heightened security measures at Parliament, including thorough checks of all MPs, and claims from Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda that the increased security presence recalled the 2017 age limit debates.

Speaker Among responded to Ssenyonyi’s claims of “tribal sentiments” from a previous session, asserting she had been misquoted and would not apologize unless presented with evidence.

She stated, “If anybody feels that I mentioned what the Leader of Opposition claimed, I urge that member to bring documentary evidence. If it is proven, I will apologize.”