BY JOACKIM KULE
A section of Local Council III Chairpersons in Kasese district has expressed disappointment with Parliament for phasing out the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and subsequently passing the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024 without consulting the local farmers.
Parliament yesterday passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with amendments amidst protests from opposition MPs and a media lockout.
According to the bill, the functions of UCDA would be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).
Now, the Sub-county leaders in Kasese that is among the leading coffee producing districts in Uganda have argued that they are still innocent about the bill and how it would be of help to the local farmers.
Nyakabingo Sub county Chairperson, Mr. Charles Thembo Kahitisani, says that parliament has done a mistake to dissolve UCDA without consulting the farmers through their Members of Parliament.
Kahitisani, who argues that he has been working with UCDA for more than 15 years, is skeptical that the farmers will no longer benefit from their cash crop.
Mahango Sub -County Chairperson, Julius Kule Kyasuba, is disappointed that the Members of Parliament did not explain the local farmers the contents of the bill before passing it.
Mbunga Sub-county Chairperson, Ruth Biira is worried that the farmers might be exploited because coffee market would allegedly be determined by one body.
She suggests that government should reverse the decision and mind about the economic activity of the local people.
Lake Katwe Sub-county Chairperson, Mr. Wilson Asiimwe does not hesitate to reveal to the press that he has no idea about the bill.
He calls for sensitization from the Members of Parliament order for the farmers to appreciate the objectives and benefits of the bill.
ENDS