Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
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.
Check also;
- Nabbanja In Hot Soup As 9b Shs Coffee Cash Scandal Erupts In Parliament
- Report Shows Drop In Ugandan Coffee Exports
Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg)