Inside the Coffee Debate Chaos: President Museveni Condemns Rising Tribalism Among Legislators
It should be noted that Last week, the decision to reintegrate UCDA received substantial parliamentary support, with 159 votes in favor against 77 opposing the initiative. Once signed, this legislation will reinforce Uganda’s strategic approach to managing its agricultural resources, enhancing efficiency in the coffee sector and reaffirming the government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary bureaucratic layers.
Uganda’s coffee industry is facing a turning point, but the recent decision to reintegrate the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture has stirred up more than just policy debates. As Parliament passed the controversial legislation, tribalism accusations began to swirl, sparking reactions across the nation.
Addressing these issues head-on, President Museveni called for unity, denouncing the tribal sentiments that have surfaced around this decision. In a recent statement, he reminded Ugandans of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) contributions to the coffee sector’s growth and urged leaders to focus on national progress over divisive narratives.
In a statement on X yesterday, the head of state said it is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) that expanded the production of coffee from two million bags in 1986 to the current nine million bags, worth $900m (Shs3.2 trillion).
https://twitter.com/KagutaMuseveni/status/1850589955195568606
“[It is] the NRM that provided security for the scientists, as already pointed out before rooting for rationalisation to have the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) revert to its mother Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. Is it rational to have an agency or authority for each of these? This is why we had to have a rationalisation- stop irrationality and be rational. To be condemned, are those who I hear try to bring in the nonsensical tribalism. When [Buganda] Katikkiro [Charles Peter] Mayiga joined us in promoting coffee, we welcomed him…,” Mr Museveni stated
“It is, therefore, sheer dishonesty, to bring up tribalism where the NRM is involved. The massive industries the NRM has built, are mainly in Buganda – Namanve, Mukono, Kapeeka, Matugga- Gombe area, Luweero, industries in Nakasongola, Kisozi, etc. These have a direct benefit to nearby populations if they are well guided to take advantage of them.” He added.
Museveni further condemned what he described as “nonsensical tribalism” linked to the coffee discourse, emphasizing the national benefits that the NRM’s policies have brought to Uganda, including the economic vibrancy in Buganda, which hosts many of the country’s largest industries. “The massive industries the NRM has built are mainly in Buganda – Namanve, Mukono, Kapeeka, Matugga-Gombe area, Luweero, industries in Nakasongola, Kisozi, etc. These have a direct benefit to nearby populations if they are well guided to take advantage of them.” Museveni acknowledged that while Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has been a key partner in promoting coffee, the NRM government remains dedicated to a unified national vision over divisive agendas.
It should be noted that Last week, the decision to reintegrate UCDA received substantial parliamentary support, with 159 votes in favor against 77 opposing the initiative. Once signed, this legislation will reinforce Uganda’s strategic approach to managing its agricultural resources, enhancing efficiency in the coffee sector and reaffirming the government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary bureaucratic layers.
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