Rt. Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of opposition in Uganda’s Parliament, today visited Kiryamenvu Village in Butenga Subcounty, Bukomansimbi District.

The purpose of his visit is to engage coffee farmers and discuss the contentious National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders in the coffee industry.

The Abolition of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)

The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024 led to the abolition of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), transferring its responsibilities to the Ministry of Agriculture.

President Museveni defended the decision, citing corruption within the UCDA.

However, many stakeholders, including farmers and industry experts, have strongly disagreed with this move, fearing it undermines the progress made in Uganda’s coffee sector.

Farmers’ Concerns About Coffee Growing

During the meeting in Bukomansimbi District, coffee farmers voiced their frustrations, saying the changes have eroded their faith in coffee farming. They highlighted several key concerns:

Decline in Added Value

Farmers believe the UCDA played a crucial role in adding value to coffee.

Its abolition may result in a loss of this value, affecting the quality and competitiveness of Ugandan coffee on the global market.

Uncertain Income Stability

The farmers also fear that the steady income they have been earning from coffee will decrease.

Without the dedicated support of the UCDA, they worry about price fluctuations and a lack of market stability.

Distrust in Government Management

Coffee growers accused the government of prioritizing political interests over the welfare of coffee growers.

They expressed fears that the industry could fall victim to corruption, leading to its decline.

The Future of Coffee in Uganda

Uganda’s coffee industry has been a significant contributor to the economy, earning millions of dollars in export revenue annually.

Farmers believe that abolishing the UCDA without providing a robust alternative risks reversing years of progress.

To restore confidence, stakeholders are calling for:

Clear policies to support coffee farmers.
Mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability within the Ministry of Agriculture.
Engagement with farmers to address their concerns and safeguard their livelihoods.

The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024 has raised critical questions about the future of Uganda’s coffee sector.

While the government justifies its actions as necessary reforms, farmers are worried about the potential consequences on their income and the overall growth of the coffee industry.

It remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed to ensure a sustainable future for coffee in Uganda.