Coffee farmers and leaders in Greater Masaka are voicing strong opposition to the government’s proposal to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, expressing concerns that the change could harm Uganda’s coffee sector.
They are calling for broader consultations with stakeholders before any decisions are finalised.
Uganda, the top coffee exporter in Africa, depends heavily on UCDA to support coffee production, which generates a substantial portion of national revenue.
Since its founding in 1991, UCDA has played a critical role in improving both the quality and quantity of Uganda’s coffee. Yet, government proposals to cut costs by merging UCDA with the Ministry of Agriculture have sparked concern among farmers and industry leaders in Masaka.
Posiano Matovu, Chairman of the Greater Masaka Coffee Farmers Association, expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation with coffee farmers, pointing out that no representatives from the coffee sector have been invited to discuss this issue with the President or Parliament.
“We, as stakeholders, have not been consulted,” Matovu said. “At both the presidential and parliamentary levels, no one has asked for our views. We want to know, if authority is shifted to the Ministry, will we continue to benefit as we have with UCDA?”
Matovu added that the Ministry of Agriculture has previously struggled with crop management, citing the introduction of vanilla as a failure that left farmers without markets. He argued that UCDA, as a specialised body, should remain independent and be strengthened:
“UCDA should be empowered, financially and otherwise. It has helped us greatly—from establishing mother gardens to supporting exports. A comprehensive consultation is essential before making any decisions.”
Prominent coffee producer Johnmark Tamale echoed this perspective, emphasising the need for UCDA’s independent oversight to protect coffee quality. Tamale expressed frustration over the lack of outreach to the coffee community and warned that a merger could negatively affect the market.
“As farmers and members of the coffee value chain, we haven’t been consulted on this bill,” Tamale said. “We only hear about it in Parliament.” He emphasised UCDA’s role in establishing Uganda’s coffee reputation internationally, stating, “Our coffee is among the best globally.
Merging UCDA without stakeholder input could damage that reputation.”
Uganda’s coffee industry, known for its high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans, has grown significantly under UCDA’s guidance. Tamale warned that folding UCDA into the Ministry of Agriculture might shift focus away from the coffee sector’s specific needs.
“If we are not consulted, we cannot support the merger,” Tamale added. “We need to understand how this move benefits us.”
Mathias Mpuuga, Member of Parliament for Nyendo-Mukungwe and a coffee farmer, raised concerns on NBS TV’s Morning Breeze, noting that the government’s rationale behind the merger remains vague and possibly politically motivated.
Mpuuga argued that UCDA’s unique role cannot easily be replicated by a ministry handling numerous other responsibilities.
“The government has not clearly explained its intentions,” Mpuuga remarked. “At first, it was about cutting costs; later, they labeled UCDA a ‘consumer center’ rather than a productive one. The shifting reasons make it difficult to understand the true motive behind the merger.” He suggested the government may be using cost-cutting as a cover for a deeper economic issue.
Mpuuga added that UCDA’s role extends beyond coffee production, describing it as “part of daily life” in Masaka and other regions where coffee farming is central to the economy.
He expressed concern that the merger could harm the trust and relationship UCDA has built with farmers over the years, stating, “Coffee is more than a crop; it’s a social and economic pillar in our communities.
Moving UCDA to the Ministry of Agriculture risks turning this flexible, specialised body into a bureaucratic nightmare.”
The proposed merger is part of a larger government initiative to cut costs by consolidating agencies. While the government argues that merging UCDA into the Ministry of Agriculture would streamline operations, critics warn that such moves often reduce efficiency in specialised sectors like coffee.
Farmers, especially those in Masaka, argue that the merger risks destabilising an industry that has thrived under UCDA’s focused oversight. Coffee is one of Uganda’s leading exports, generating around $858 million in 2022, according to the Bank of Uganda.
The Greater Masaka region is a significant coffee-producing area, where many families depend on coffee farming for their livelihoods.
As the debate continues, farmers and advocates are urging the government to delay the bill and hold meaningful consultations with stakeholders.
“Any legislation or policy not in the people’s interest must be reconsidered,” Mpuuga said, stressing the importance of a thorough consultation process across Uganda’s coffee-growing regions.
Posiano Matovu called for patience, adding, “Let us wait, harmonize our views, and develop a unified stance on coffee.”