The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
While the FDC supports efforts to streamline government functions, they warn that this particular merger risks undermining one of Uganda’s most successful industries and its vital contributions to the national economy.
In a statement, the FDC argued that merging UCDA with MAAIF would reduce it “to a mere desk within the ministry,” potentially sidelining the specialized agency’s years of expertise in coffee production and export management.
The party urged the government to “prioritize the interests of coffee farmers and stakeholders” and consider the track record UCDA has built, particularly in raising coffee exports to a record-breaking $1.14 billion, or roughly Shs6 trillion.
The FDC cited examples of alleged mismanagement in other agricultural sectors as a reason for their concern about the Ministry of Agriculture’s ability to manage the coffee industry effectively.
“The fishing industry has suffered from maladministration, prompting the President to deploy the UPDF to oversee it,” they said.
The statement further highlighted issues in the animal husbandry sector, where “allegations of embezzling funds meant for foot-and-mouth disease vaccines” have raised doubts about MAAIF’s capacity to handle specialized sectors like coffee.
The opposition to the UCDA merger rests on several core principles:
Autonomy and Expertise: UCDA’s focused work in coffee development, regulation, and quality improvement has given Uganda a competitive edge in the international coffee market. The agency’s independence has allowed it to work closely with farmers on critical issues like planting techniques, harvesting, and storage. The FDC fears that merging UCDA into MAAIF would “dilute this expertise” and hinder its effectiveness.
Farmer Interests: UCDA has introduced programs that ensure fair practices for farmers, such as registration, geo-location, and traceability, essential for both quality control and market access. The FDC argued, “We believe that MAAIF lacks the technical competence and capacity to handle these critical tasks,” urging that these efforts continue without disruption.
Economic Benefits: Coffee exports form the backbone of Uganda’s agricultural economy, and UCDA’s focused efforts have driven substantial growth despite challenges like underfunding. The FDC warns that placing UCDA under the Ministry of Agriculture could restrict its resources and capacity to manage this valuable sector. “UCDA’s track record warrants greater funding, not a reduction in its mandate,” they asserted.
The FDC outlined an alternative proposal, advocating for UCDA to retain its autonomy while enhancing partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders. This approach, they argue, would improve coordination and ensure that the agency remains a force for Uganda’s coffee sector without compromising its effectiveness.
They also called for “farmer-centric policies that ensure fair prices, improved quality, and sustainable production practices,” emphasizing that coffee farmers must remain central to any decisions impacting the industry.
FDC encouraged Uganda’s coffee farmers to remain steadfast in their production efforts and assured them of continued advocacy for the industry’s future.
“By adopting a thoughtful and inclusive approach, the government can balance rationalization needs with the interests of coffee stakeholders and Uganda’s economic growth.”
