Parliament on November 6 passed, among other things, the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, approving the streamlining of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). We bring you the views of some coffee producers after the bill was passed.

Alex Kibirige, resident of the town of Mbarara

“The coffee bill is against the people of Uganda. The timing is also questionable, as it comes at a time when Ugandans are starting to harvest big from their coffee plantations. Even if we give our coffee to the government, Ugandans will never benefit because of rampant corruption among our leaders. »

Naris Turinawe, coffee producer in Ibanda

“I think coffee prices will fall like vanilla prices did some time ago. Coffee prices will lose value because it will be the government that will seek the market and buyers. So as farmers we are more afraid of what might happen. “

Hassan Waiswa, coffee producer in Bugweri

“Taking over coffee management from the Ministry of Agriculture suits me. My late father sold coffee and managed to educate more than ten children during the time when the Ministry of Agriculture managed the coffee sector during the Obote regime. ..”

Muhammed Mukanza, farmer in Namayingo

“I am saddened by the coffee law. UCDA has been on the ground organizing farmers to produce good quality coffee, competitive on the international market. The MAAF will not function well because it is overwhelmed by many departments…”

Jamiru Nzigu, Mayuge coffee producers

“We have extension farmers and department heads within MAAIF but they are not on the ground. They distribute poor quality seeds and deliver them late unlike the UCDA which mobilizes farmers on good methods of planting, harvesting and processing coffee…”

Emmanuel Natambi Muligi, farmer in Gomba

“Since the creation of the UCDA in 1991, its role has been noted everywhere and farmers have greatly benefited from it. President Museveni should not sign the bill as many farmers will abandon coffee farming and resort to other national foods which are unprofitable…”