KAMPALA- The Ugandan Parliament has passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, effectively dissolving the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
This move aims to streamline agricultural governance by transferring UCDA’s responsibilities to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
The passage of the bill was marked by controversy, with opposition legislators clashing on the floor and a walkout led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.
The session was suspended twice by Speaker Anita Among due to a scuffle involving MPs Francis Zaake and Anthony Akol, resulting in the suspension of 12 MPs for inciting violence.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority will be dissolved, and its functions transferred to MAAIF. A three-year transitional period will allow for a smooth handover of UCDA’s responsibilities.
The Agriculture Minister will draft regulations within six months to guide the new structure for coffee regulation.
The opposition has expressed concerns over the bill, citing potential negative impacts on the coffee industry and farmers. However, the government argues that the move will improve efficiency and reduce public expenditure.
