Uganda MPs Clash Over Government’s Move to Merge UCDA with Ministry of Agriculture By: Wabusimba Amiri.

The recent debate around Uganda's decision to consolidate the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAIF) has ignited a far-reaching conversation across parliament and beyond. Positioned by the government as a cost-saving measure to streamline operations, the proposed merger risks sacrificing UCDA’s specialized focus on Uganda’s thriving coffee industry—an industry that serves as one of the country’s most vital economic pillars. The intense opposition from MPs sharply contrasts the muted response to other agency consolidations, such as the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre's (UWEC) merger into the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). 

This stark discrepancy suggests that underlying factors, potentially tied to financial or political interests, could be at play—particularly with the 2026 elections looming.

As the UCDA merger bill moves forward, stereotyping has dominated discussions, overshadowing a critical examination of whether the merger aligns with Uganda’s long-term development goals. The media spotlight has brought many MPs’ motives into question, fueling suspicions that financial incentives, rather than public interest, may be driving opposition. The broader implication is unsettling: is this merger being resisted on principle, or are certain MPs leveraging the moment to build their anti-government credentials in preparation for the upcoming elections?

The debate has consequently polarized Parliament, with opposition MPs leveraging the merger as a critique of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which they allege is mismanaging public resources. However, this also presents a dilemma, as MPs have long criticized government expenditure and inefficiency, which the UCDA merger aims to address. Thus, the opposition’s challenge is whether to prioritize Uganda’s broader developmental needs or exploit the merger for political mileage.The merger of UCDA into MAIF, as well as other agencies, aligns with Uganda’s constitutionally mandated goals of efficient public administration. In 2018, Cabinet passed Minute No. 85 (CT 2018), endorsing the Government Rationalization and Mergers Policy. This policy was approved by the National Planning Authority (NPA), mandates that 97 agencies, including UCDA, merge into their line ministries to reduce redundancy and save public funds.

President Museveni supports this strategy, aiming for a streamlined public sector that upholds Uganda's Vision 2040 goals for fiscal discipline and resource optimization. While the Coffee Act 2021 grants UCDA regulatory authority, integrating it into MAIF centralizes oversight within agriculture. This move is expected to streamline policy, enhance accountability, and reduce costs. 
However, critics argue that UCDA’s specialized focus may diminish within MAIF’s larger bureaucratic structurea concern based on international precedents. This critique echoes the experience of other countries that attempted to streamline their administrative frameworks by merging government agencies, with varying degrees of success. Kenya and Malaysia for instance showed that merging agencies can bring fiscal benefits but must be approached with caution. Kenya merged agricultural agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture in 2013 to cut overlapping roles. Although this move saved costs and improved policy cohesion, it led to concerns that specialized sectors like coffee lost focus and support. Malaysia’s consolidation within its Ministry of Trade and Industry achieved budget savings and policy alignment but retained specialized functions, which allowed core mandates to continue effectively.

These examples suggest that while Uganda might achieve savings, success depends on maintaining UCDA’s focus within MAIF. Savings could be redirected to critical sectors like health and education. For Uganda’s MPs, the UCDA merger serves as a litmus test of political intentions, particularly with the 2026 elections approaching. Some MPs view opposition to the merger as a way to underscore NRM’s perceived inefficiency. Ironically, many of these MPs have previously advocated for cutting government expenses a goal supported by the UCDA merger. Thus, MPs face a choice support Uganda’s fiscal interests or use the merger as political leverage. Additionally, MPs question why UCDA is prioritized for merger when other high government expenses remain, particularly in the Office of the President and Parliament. Asking citizens to accept austerity while preserving these costs seems inequitable. However, the UCDA merger could set an example for broader fiscal restraint, encouraging a reassessment of government spending priorities.

The silence that surrounded the UWEC-UWA merger could have reflected the absence of financial or political incentives that would galvanize Mps. In contrast, UCDA’s merger has provoked opposition amid rumors that some MPs may have received incentives to resist the merger, further casting doubt on whether all opposition to the merger stems from legitimate concerns. It remains to be seen if the MPs are prioritizing their principles or merely positioning themselves strategically for 2026 general election.The UCDA merger has brought Uganda’s coffee sector stakeholders to the forefront of the debate. The coffee industry fears that integrating UCDA into a larger ministry will erode the focused attention and resources currently dedicated to coffee sector development. However, merging UCDA with MAIF could save costs by eliminating redundant roles. With fewer administrative expenses, resources could be reallocated to vital areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Integration could align coffee policies with broader agricultural objectives, promoting cross-sector benefits and improving accountability under MAIF’s oversight.

With Uganda’s 2026 elections approaching, MPs face a choice either support Uganda’s fiscal interests or use the merger as political leverage. This decision also invites a larger question: whose interests does the 11th Parliament truly serve? While the merger is ostensibly about efficiency, the focus on stereotyping over policy raises suspicions that financial incentives may be influencing parliamentary positions, as implied in media coverage. As public stewards, MPs must consider whether their actions align with Uganda’s developmental aspirations or reflect personal or political motives. Ultimately, this moment offers a test of MPs’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, a principle that could rebuild public trust and demonstrate their dedication to Uganda's long-term growth.