Parliament on November 6 enacted the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which, among others, approved the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). We bring you the opinions of some coffee farmers after the bill became law.

Alex Kibirige, Mbarara City resident

“The Coffee Bill is against the people of Uganda. Its timing is also questionable as it comes at a time when Ugandans are starting to make huge profits from coffee farms. “Even if we give our coffee to the government, Ugandans will never benefit from it due to rampant corruption among our leaders.”

Naris Turinawe, coffee farmer in Ibanda

“I think coffee prices will drop, just as vanilla prices dropped a while ago. Coffee prices will lose value because the government will search for the market and the buyer. That’s why we farmers are more afraid of what might happen our way. “

Hassan Waiswa, coffee farmer in Bugweri

“I don’t mind taking the management of coffee back to the Ministry of Agriculture. My late father was selling coffee and managed to educate more than ten children during the Obote regime when the Ministry of Agriculture was managing the coffee industry. ..”

Muhammad Mukanza, farmer from Namayingo

“I’m sorry about the coffee law. UCDA is on the ground to organize farmers to produce quality coffee that is competitive in the international market. MAAF will not be able to perform well because it is overwhelmed with so many departments…”

Jamiru Nzigu, Mayuge Coffee Farmers

“We have farmers and department heads within MAAIF, but they are not in the field. “Unlike UCDA, which mobilizes farmers on good methods of planting, harvesting and processing coffee, they give low quality seeds and deliver late…”

Emmanuel Natambi Muligi, farmer in Gomba

“ Since UCDA was founded in 1991, its roles have been seen everywhere and farmers have benefited. President Museveni should not sign the bill because many farmers will stop growing coffee and switch to other local foods that are not profitable…”