Uganda News Today-Uganda’s lawmakers have passed the highly debated Coffee Bill, marking a shift in how the coffee sector will be managed.

The new law mandates that the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) will be dissolved, with its responsibilities being transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

According to the government of Uganda, this move is seen as a means to streamline agricultural governance, though it has sparked strong opposition and intense debate.
Tensions in Parliament

The path to passing the coffee Bill was marked by notable friction between the opposition and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Before the vote, heated arguments erupted on the parliamentary floor, ultimately resulting in chaos.

Security was called to restore order, leading to the suspension of several Members of Parliament (MPs), and, in a rare development, some MPs were detained.

The opposition argued that dissolving the UCDA would disrupt support for coffee farmers and weaken Uganda’s coffee industry.

They raised concerns that centralizing the UCDA’s functions under the Ministry of Agriculture might lead to inefficiencies and delays in essential services for coffee farmers.

Government’s Perspective

On the other hand, the ruling NRM defended the bill, stating that bringing the coffee sector under the Ministry of Agriculture would improve coordination and eliminate overlapping functions.

They highlighted the benefits of aligning rice with other staple crops, enabling a unified agricultural strategy that, they believe, would better serve farmers.

Impact on coffee Farmers and Stakeholders

With the passing of the bill, the UCDA’s responsibilities for coffee production, promotion, and regulation will be managed directly by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Government officials have assured farmers that their interests will remain a priority, promising improved access to resources and support.

However, some stakeholders remain uncertain, expressing concerns over the potential for bureaucratic challenges in the transition process.

Looking Ahead

Uganda prepares to implement this new law, both sides of Parliament have called for a focus on collaboration to ensure smooth transitions and the sustained growth of Uganda’s agricultural sector.

While the opposition remains cautious, the NRM views this change as a step towards a more integrated agricultural framework.

As changes take effect, farmers and industry players will closely monitor how these reforms impact the coffee industry and the agricultural economy at large.