In a rare show of unity, Bugisu’s youth have joined forces with the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) Elders Forum to oppose the Uganda National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024, which aims to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
The proposed bill has stirred concerns among coffee farmers, who argue it could jeopardize coffee quality and market standards.
At a joint press conference held on Thursday at the BCU factory in Mbale City, Prof. Kiboma Gimui, chairman of the BCU Elders Forum, underscored the importance of UCDA as a standalone regulatory body with specialized expertise.
“On behalf of Bugisu coffee farmers and the youth, we oppose the merging of UCDA with the Ministry of Agriculture,” he declared, emphasizing that coffee requires an independent institution focused on quality control and international standards.
Prof. Kiboma warned that without UCDA’s oversight, BCU coffee could face rejection from international buyers.
He pointed to coffee-specific regulatory boards in Kenya, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, questioning why Uganda should be any different.
Adding to the opposition, BCU Treasurer Mabonga Nathan in an interview with media noted, “If merging UCDA with the Ministry is beneficial, why not merge the Uganda Revenue Authority with the Ministry of Finance or the National Drug Authority with the Ministry of Health?” He suggested that the bill might serve interests other than those of farmers.
Youth representatives echoed these concerns. Trimlet Muweleza, youth chairman of Mbale Industrial City Division, expressed frustration, stating, “This amendment would negatively impact coffee farmers. We plan to petition Parliament over this matter.”
Wilson Lukaye, Youth Councilor for Mbale Industrial City Division, urged President Museveni to hear the farmers’ voices.
“The president is being misled by those who fail to advise him properly. I call upon the Bugisu parliamentary caucus to protect our region’s pride,” he urged.
James Wadada, another youth leader, argued that merging UCDA with the Ministry of Agriculture would reduce its efficiency and harm coffee quality.
Nambafu Fredrick, Youth Councilor for Mbale District, while speaking to Media, called on MPs to support colleagues Mukhaye Miriam and Connie Galiwango in standing with coffee farmers against the bill.
“As youth who have benefited from coffee, we must ensure our voices are heard and that this bill does not pass,” he concluded.
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