Opposition Stands Firm Against Government’s Controversial Coffee Bill

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news November 6, 2024

A heated debate is anticipated in Parliament today as opposition lawmakers prepare to confront the government over the contentious National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024. The bill proposes the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), a move that has raised concerns and opposition within the coffee-growing community and among their parliamentary representatives.

In a press conference held at Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, reiterated his commitment to defending the economic empowerment of coffee farmers.

Despite reports of heightened security presence and potential arrests, Ssenyonyi assured the public that they would not be intimidated, emphasizing their determination to safeguard the economic interests of the people of Uganda.

Ssenyonyi criticized the government for allegedly using tribal and partisan tactics to influence the debate, condemning such divisive strategies.

He also expressed concerns about the Executive’s interference in legislative matters, stressing the importance of upholding Parliament’s independence and operating free from external pressures.

Government’s rationalization strategy

The upcoming debate follows Speaker Anita Among’s suspension of the House after a contentious session that led to uncertainty in the coffee sector. The government’s push to dissolve UCDA is part of a broader initiative to streamline agencies, aiming to cut costs and enhance efficiency in governance.

State Minister for Agriculture, Bright Rwamirama, highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through a planned transition of UCDA under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Despite the government’s rationale, the Bill faces resistance, with the Committee on Agriculture presenting minority reports opposing UCDA’s dissolution.

Lira District Woman MP Linda Agnes Auma emphasized UCDA’s pivotal role in Uganda’s coffee success story. UCDA’s significant contributions include boosting coffee production, distributing millions of coffee seedlings, and elevating Uganda as a top coffee exporter in Africa.

UCDA’s efforts have resulted in a notable increase in coffee export revenue and production, showcasing the agency’s pivotal role in Uganda’s coffee industry.

With projections indicating further growth in coffee production, the ongoing debate over the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024, holds significant implications for the future of Uganda’s coffee sector.

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