(Mengo) – Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga addressed a gathering at Bulange-Mmengo on October 29, 2024, where he called on Parliament to reconsider a bill that seeks to reform the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). Mayiga argued that UCDA plays a vital role in enhancing both the quality and quantity of coffee production in Uganda.
During his speech, Mayiga referenced the Emmwaanyi Terimba campaign initiated in 2016 to promote coffee cultivation. He noted that UCDA had collaborated with the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation by providing ten million coffee seedlings, which were distributed to farmers by the end of 2019.
Mayiga expressed concern about the ongoing coffee amendment bill, which Speaker Anita Among indicated would soon be read for the second time. He urged lawmakers to retain UCDA and to ensure it receives adequate funding to fulfill its essential functions, which include training farmers, maintaining crop quality, and promoting coffee consumption.
“The government must increase funding to UCDA to extend its outreach to every farmer in the country,” Mayiga stated. He highlighted the economic significance of coffee, which generated over $900 million in the last financial year and sustains around 12 to 15 million people across two million households in Uganda.
According to reports from UCDA, approximately 50% of Uganda’s coffee exports originate from the Buganda region. Mayiga emphasized that protecting UCDA is crucial for maximizing earnings in the coffee sector.
Mayiga also addressed allegations of tribal sentiments surrounding the coffee amendment bill. He refuted claims that proponents of protecting the coffee industry were instigating division. “It is not true. It was from Parliament where we heard tribal comments,” he said, referring to remarks made by Speaker Anita Among.
In response to these allegations, Mayiga noted that Among had sent him a message denying any intent to obstruct Buganda MPs from opposing the coffee bill. He reassured the audience that local leaders must advocate for their communities’ interests.
He expressed skepticism regarding the government’s intentions, recalling previous attempts to amend coffee regulations that raised concerns, including proposed penalties for farmers who left their coffee farms inactive for extended periods.
Kalungu East MP Francis Katabaazi voiced support for Mayiga’s position, stating that UCDA is efficient and financially viable, citing its ability to generate more revenue than it receives in government funding. He affirmed that MPs from Buganda would unite with representatives from other regions to advocate for UCDA’s preservation.
The meeting concluded with attendees contributing over UGX 58 million to support the kingdom, showcasing community solidarity in the face of potential changes to the coffee industry.
