Uganda’s Coffee Sector breathes sigh of relief as UCDA stays for another three years.
By Teddy Namayanja
Uganda’s coffee sector breathed a collective sigh of relief as President Yoweri Museveni announced that the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) would continue to operate for another three years.
The decision came after months of uncertainty and anxiety among coffee farmers, traders, and processors, who had feared that the removal of UCDA would lead to chaos and disruption in the sector which would greatly affect the country’s income from coffee.
The decision to retain UCDA as an autonomous entity for the next three years was taken on Tuesday September 03, 2024, in a meeting held at State House Entebbe between President Museveni and MPs from three committees of Parliament working on the rationalization of state agencies.
The meeting was also attended by members of the executive led by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
National Unity Platforms (NUP) Dr. Abed Bwanika Kimwanyi-Kabonero Member of Parliament put up a spirited defense to retain UCDA as an independent entity.
“The Ministry called MAAIF has no capacity to handle the coffee industry. The technical people there are ever traveling; they are looking for workshops and allowances. They’re not in office. They’re not on ground and cannot handle this industry”. Bwanika told President Museveni amidst applauds from other legislators who wanted UCDA to be retained.
UCDA, established in 1991, has played a crucial role in promoting Uganda’s coffee industry, providing support to farmers, and regulating the sector. Its services include coffee quality control, research, and market promotion.
Dr. Abed Bwanika told the President that the coffee industry has a sensitive market especially on issues of quality arguing that it’s transferring its roles to MAAIF would mean losing some of the certifications and accreditations that would in turn affect the country’s market and income from the coffee sector.
“I kindly ask you Mr. President to humbly postpone the transfer of UCDA to MAAIF so that we can have time to organize that Ministry, to build capacity to handle this very strategic industry which is the backbone of this country”. He asked.
The retention of UCDA means that Uganda’s coffee sector can continue to build on its recent successes, including increasing production.
“UCDA’s continued presence will ensure stability and consistency in the sector,” said Paul Katongole, a coffee trader in Kampala. “We can now focus on growing our businesses and exploring new opportunities.”
President Museveni asked legislators to come up with a law that would dissolve the UCDA but will only come in effect after three years.
