Mbale October 31– Bugisu youth and elders have protested against 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 youth holding placards with inscriptions “No, No to the bill, No retreat No surrender, leave our coffee alone”, joined in a show of solidarity joined forces with the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) Elders Forum at the Coffee factory in Mbale city to show their anger against the bill.
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, stressed 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.
BCU Treasurer Mabonga Nathan 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.
Retired Bishop Wabulakha acknowledged certain weaknesses within UCDA but argued that addressing these issues directly would be more effective than merging with the Ministry, which he suggested may lack the capacity to manage coffee-specific matters.
Youth representatives, Trimlet Muweleza, youth chairman of Mbale Industrial City Division, expressed frustration, stating that the amendment would negatively impact coffee farmers. He added that they are going to petition Parliament over this matter.
Wilson Lukaye, male youth councilor, for Mbale Industrial City Division, stressed the importance of coffee to young people’s livelihoods in the region. He stressed that UCDA’s role in the coffee value chain is vital and expressed strong opposition to the merger proposal. He 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, called on MPs in coffee growing districts to stand united against this coffee ammendment bill. “As youth who have benefited from coffee, we must ensure our voices are heard and that this bill does not pass,” he said
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