On November 6, 2024, Uganda’s Parliament passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, which merges the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
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This move aligns with the Rationalization of Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) policy, aimed at reducing administrative redundancy and public spending.
Although the bill was met with strong opposition and heated debate, the government emphasized that integrating UCDA into MAAIF would streamline the coffee sector’s management, enhance efficiency, and reduce duplication of efforts.
Opposition to the bill was marked by a walkout led by members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who protested before the debate began. Key opposition figures, including Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, argued for a three-year delay to ensure a smooth transition, warning that dissolving UCDA too quickly could destabilize a critical economic sector.
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Similarly, Hon. Moses Okot (FDC, Kioga County) recommended a grace period to enable MAAIF to effectively manage its new responsibilities. Despite these appeals, their proposals were rejected.
The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, supported the immediate implementation of the integration, citing RAPEX as a necessary step approved by the Cabinet in 2021.
He maintained that the merger would improve coordination and align with broader government efforts to streamline services. Minister of State for Animal Industry,
Hon. Bright Rwamirama, also defended the bill, suggesting that integrating UCDA would eliminate “bloated structures and functional ambiguities” while cutting costs.
The Agriculture Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Linda Auma, supported the merger but initially recommended a three-year transition period to prevent disruptions to the coffee value chain.
This recommendation was later overruled after further consultations. Minority leaders like Hon. Abed Bwanika warned that rushing the merger could undermine Uganda’s coffee export accreditation and referenced similar struggles in neighboring countries as cautionary examples.
The bill had initially passed but was sent back to Parliament by President Yoweri Museveni, who raised concerns from coffee-growing regions like Bugisu and Buganda.
Following further discussions, Minister Hon. Frank Tumwebaze assured Parliament that the transition would honor existing UCDA permits and certifications, and UCDA employees might be absorbed into the public service.
Tumwebaze also emphasized MAAIF’s commitment to maintaining Uganda’s coffee quality standards and research to promote the country’s coffee profile.
After extensive debate, 159 MPs voted in favor of the bill, with 77 opposing. UCDA, established in 1991, had played a crucial role in managing Uganda’s coffee sector, but with this restructuring, MAAIF will take over its responsibilities in pursuit of greater efficiency and reduced public expenditure.
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