(Kampala) – Uganda’s Parliament has approved the controversial National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, effectively transferring the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) back under the Ministry of Agriculture. This decision came after a chaotic session that saw the Opposition walk out in protest, leaving the Bill to pass with minimal resistance.
The House witnessed a tense atmosphere as Opposition members voiced their concerns over the Bill. Despite their objections, only a few clauses regarding the minister’s powers were amended. The Speaker, Anita Among, presided over the session, ensuring the Bill was passed despite the walkout.
The walkout followed a series of events that disrupted the plenary. Speaker Among had earlier suspended 12 Opposition members for allegedly causing a disruption during the session. The conflict escalated when MP Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality) confronted MP Anthony Akol (Kilak North, FDC) over seating arrangements, leading to a physical altercation. Zaake approached Akol aggressively and shoved him from his seat. In retaliation, Akol punched Zaake in the head before security intervened to separate them.
To regain control, Speaker Among adjourned the House for a 30 minute break. After the session resumed, she issued an apology and suspended several MPs involved in the altercation. As the suspended MPs were removed, the Opposition attempted to resist, but plain clothed security officers turned off the lights and forcibly escorted them out of the chamber. The Opposition, angered by this move, promptly staged a walkout.
Following the departure of the Opposition, the Speaker adjusted the order paper, allowing for the debate on the contentious Coffee Bill to proceed without further delay. Despite the absence of the Opposition, the Bill continued to gain support from members of the ruling NRM party and independent MPs who sided with the government’s stance.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze expressed gratitude to Parliament for its support of the Bill, reassuring Ugandans that the coffee value chain would continue to be developed and that Uganda’s coffee exports would thrive in international markets. He emphasized the importance of coffee as a vital cash crop, both for farmers and the country as a whole.
The Speaker concluded the session with applause from those in favor of the Bill, acknowledging the participation of both ruling party and some Opposition members who remained during the proceedings. With the passage of the Bill, the future of UCDA now lies under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture.
