Uganda’s parliament is set to engage in a heated debate on the proposed merger of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) tomorrow.
As the government argues the move will eliminate redundant services, lawmakers and coffee farmers fear it could undermine Uganda’s coffee industry and jeopardize its international standing.
The debate over UCDA’s future has become a flashpoint in Ugandan politics, pitting the government’s push for consolidation against the coffee sector’s concerns.
Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, has defended the plan, highlighting that bringing UCDA under the ministry will consolidate resources and streamline services. Tumwebaze pointed to the National Coffee Research Institute (NACORI) as an example of effective integration within the ministry’s scope.
However, resistance to the merger has been strong, particularly from the Bugisu Parliamentary Group and the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, who argue that UCDA’s autonomy is crucial for Uganda’s coffee exports. Opponents contend that UCDA’s international accreditation is vital for accessing foreign markets, and shifting its responsibilities to MAAIF could risk this accreditation.
They also raise concerns that the reorganization might harm smallholder farmers, who rely on UCDA’s dedicated support for coffee cultivation and trade.
Amid the debate, Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has called for a disciplined and constructive discussion. “I urge legislators to engage in respectful and constructive discussions. I warn against disruptions that could hinder the debate’s progress and effectiveness,” Baryomunsi emphasized.
Tomorrow’s parliamentary session will determine whether the merger proceeds or if UCDA remains an independent authority. For Uganda’s coffee sector, this decision could have long-lasting effects on its global competitiveness and the livelihood of thousands of coffee farmers across the nation.
