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Opposition MPs disrupted Parliament proceedings for over 40 minutes, protesting Among’s decision to table the Bill for the second reading
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PARLIAMENT - The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has addressed her critics, urging them to stop misrepresenting her stance on the proposed coffee law, which has stirred widespread debate. Among clarified that she never stated that MPs from the Buganda region should prevent the Bill from advancing to the committee stage. The committee stage is where each clause and any amendments to the Bill are debated before a final decision. The proposed Bill aims to dissolve the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), transferring its functions to the Ministry of Agriculture to reduce public spending. In explaining her remarks, Among noted that she had only advised Buganda MPs opposing the Bill to avoid viewing the UCDA as a "Buganda issue" and not to make the debate about tribal interests.
Speaker Among clarified that she never stated that MPs from the Buganda region should prevent the Bill from advancing to the committee stage
"Kakuuto MP Geoffrey Lutaaya claimed that President Museveni’s intention was to impoverish them by transferring UCDA to the agriculture ministry. I reminded the MPs that UCDA isn’t exclusive to Buganda and urged them not to make the issue tribal," Among said.
Lutaaya, a National Unity Platform (NUP) MP and musician, had argued that the Cabinet was inviting misfortune by pushing to transfer UCDA to the agriculture ministry. "Honorable Speaker, I have heard from the Minister, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, but wonder why government officials preach patriotism yet act otherwise," he remarked, implying hidden motives.
Among explained that she had intervened to prevent the discussion from devolving into tribal sentiments. "This Bill focuses on mainstreaming and integrating UCDA’s functions within the Ministry of Agriculture," she emphasized. She also refuted claims made by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi on social media, suggesting that she was under President Museveni's directives to ensure the Bill’s passage. "The President wasn’t in the House; we held a vote, and the majority agreed. As Speaker, I don’t vote," Among stressed.
Drama in Parliament
On Thursday, Opposition MPs disrupted Parliament proceedings for over 40 minutes, protesting Among’s decision to table the Bill for the second reading. The second reading allows MPs to discuss the Bill’s core principles before it proceeds to the committee stage, where individual clauses are debated. When several MPs opposed the outcome of the voice vote, Among called for a headcount. The result: 77 against and 159 in favor, after which she adjourned the session. Before the adjournment, Hon. Rwamirama explained that the Bill’s intent is not to abolish UCDA's functions but to shift them to the Ministry’s coffee development department. He also assured that no UCDA staff essential to its mandate would lose their jobs.
Hon. Rwamirama explained that the Bill’s intent is not to abolish UCDA's functions but to shift them to the Ministry’s coffee development department
Rationale behind the Bill
According to Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who sponsored the Bill, the goal is to align with the Government Policy for Rationalisation of Government Agencies, adopted in 2021 to minimize administrative expenses and streamline services. "The Bill aims to relieve the government of UCDA’s financial strain by consolidating its operations within the Ministry, thus reducing costs and improving efficiency," he noted.
The Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, argued that both UCDA and the Ministry of Agriculture have yet to adequately support farmers. "We’ve been left on our own; neither UCDA nor the Ministry has effectively helped us. Let’s find a way forward together," Mao stated.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed concern over UCDA’s dissolution, highlighting its positive impact on coffee farmers across regions, including West Nile and Northern Uganda. Established in 1991, UCDA provides oversight and assistance to the coffee sector. It has been instrumental in supporting stakeholders, from farmers to exporters, with best practices.
Joel Ssenyonyi expressed concern over UCDA’s dissolution, highlighting its positive impact on coffee farmers across regions, including West Nile and Northern Uganda
EU standards
As Uganda aligns with the European Union’s stringent deforestation regulations, UCDA is registering coffee value chain actors nationwide to maintain EU market access. This compliance ensures Uganda’s coffee is environmentally sustainable. "This will not only secure our European market but also reinforce our commitment to sustainable development," said UCDA managing director Emmanuel Iyamulemye.
Coffee exports in August increased by 5.3%, attributed to both higher coffee prices and volume increases during the Robusta coffee peak season. Italy remains Uganda’s top coffee importer, followed by Germany, India, Belgium, and Morocco.
Museveni advocates for Value Addition
President Museveni has repeatedly highlighted the importance of coffee value addition, pointing out that coffee-producing countries earn a fraction of the $460 billion global coffee value. Uganda, producing nine million bags, takes only a small share. He has promoted rationalizing government agencies to save resources, stating that the funds saved should support wealth creators, as this is essential for national development.
Buganda and experts weigh in
Israel Kazibwe, spokesperson for the Kingdom of Buganda, voiced opposition to dissolving UCDA, acknowledging its support to farmers, including free seedlings and training on best practices. Dr. Dennis Nuwagaba of Makerere University Business School remarked that the political debate around the Bill is less about effective regulation than about overlapping government functions.
Torch Media Africa
