(Kampala) – Legislators in Uganda have agreed to advance the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to its Second Reading, a move that seeks to restructure the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture for increased operational efficiency.
The Ugandan Parliament voted to proceed with the Second Reading of the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This Bill, first introduced on September 24, 2024, aims to merge UCDA into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, thereby integrating its operations with the ministry’s mandate. This proposal follows a broader government strategy focused on consolidating agencies to reduce administrative overhead and public expenses.
On October 24, during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, presented the case for the Bill’s Second Reading. He argued that consolidating UCDA’s functions within the Ministry would eliminate unnecessary administrative layers, thereby enhancing service delivery to the coffee sector.
Hon. Rwamirama emphasized that restructuring UCDA would transform it from an independent entity into a government department, addressing “bloated structures and functional ambiguities” that have impeded the sector’s performance. He indicated that this reorganization would streamline decision-making processes, eliminate redundancies, and optimize financial resources.
Presenting a report from the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Hon. Linda Auma, Lira District Woman Representative, echoed the government’s position, advocating for the integration. The committee recommended a transitional period of three years to facilitate a smooth restructuring process.
However, some MPs voiced opposition. Hon. Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) presented a minority report, suggesting a five year transitional period instead. He contended that a more extended timeline would provide the Ministry of Agriculture ample time to develop robust frameworks to preserve Uganda’s coffee export accreditation, a credential currently under UCDA’s purview. He cautioned against the potential pitfalls of hasty restructuring, citing Kenya and Ethiopia as cautionary examples where similar consolidations led to setbacks in the coffee industry.
MP Agnes Kirabo (NRM, Youth Central) raised concerns regarding UCDA’s revenue contributions, urging that it remain independent. She underscored the agency’s role in generating significant income and supporting economic stability in the coffee sector.
Similarly, Hon. Miriam Mukhaye, Mbale District Woman MP, highlighted UCDA’s direct support to local farmers in her district, including training programs aimed at improving coffee quality and production. Other MPs, like Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola County South), voiced criticism toward the Ministry of Agriculture’s handling of other projects, questioning its capacity to manage UCDA effectively.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, also weighed in, suggesting that UCDA be empowered to expand its services to emerging coffee-producing regions, such as West Nile and Northern Uganda, to ensure equitable support across Uganda’s coffee-growing zones.
In response to the divided opinions, Speaker Anita Among directed a Division Lobby, a headcount vote conducted outside the Chamber as stipulated in Rule 101 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure. Upon conclusion of the vote, 159 MPs were in favor of the Bill’s progression to its Second Reading, while 77 opposed it.
Established in 1991 under the Uganda Coffee Development Authority Act, UCDA has been instrumental in regulating coffee industry standards, promoting quality, and fostering research and development initiatives within the coffee value chain. Its mandate was recently updated under the National Coffee Act No. 17 of 2021.
The pending legislation to restructure UCDA marks a critical juncture in the evolution of Uganda’s coffee industry, as stakeholders and lawmakers navigate the balance between fiscal consolidation and safeguarding sector-specific expertise.
| Vote Outcome | Number of MPs |
|---|---|
| In Favor of Second Reading | 159 |
| Against Second Reading | 77 |
