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Rationalisation of Contentious Coffee Authority Passed Amidst Chaos in Parliament

Honounarable Francis Zaake being stretched to an ambulance to take him to hospital after physical assault from MP Anthony Akol

Uganda Today Edition: Rationalisation of Contentious Coffee Authority Passed Amidst Chaos in Parliament

Kampala, Uganda – The parliamentary session in Uganda, convened primarily to discuss the rationalisation of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), descended into chaos, overshadowed by heightened security presence and simmering tensions among Members of Parliament (MPs). The session, marked by dramatic confrontations and allegations of executive interference, has raised serious questions about the future of Uganda’s coffee sector and the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

The call to rationalise UCDA, merging it with other government authorities, stems from a directive backed by President Yoweri Museveni. The President argues that the agency consumes substantial government funds without generating revenue, thereby straining the national budget. However, economist and former Finance Minister Dr. Ezra Suruma countered this perspective, noting that UCDA’s role in regulating and promoting Uganda’s coffee—a vital export commodity—demands independence and adequate funding. Dr. Suruma warned that lumping UCDA with other entities could stifle Uganda’s coffee industry growth and erode its competitive edge in the global market. You may also wish to read: Ezra Suruma Counters Museveni Argument on UCDA, Growing Discontent with Museveni’s Administration: Ugandans Speak Out Against Coffee Sector Reform and Leadership Appointments, Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) Dissolution: Has Museveni Finally Met His Match, Uganda Coffee Chronicles: The Bitter Aftertaste of Privatization and the Fight for Fairness, Sectarian Sentiments and the Presidential Influence: The Contraversal Path of Uganda’s National Bill 2024.

President Museveni’s unwavering stance on UCDA’s rationalisation mirrors his approach in 2017, when he pressured MPs to pass a constitutional amendment removing the presidential age limit. In an echo of past tactics, Museveni has reportedly urged NRM MPs to pass the bill supporting UCDA’s merger “under all circumstances.” The President’s insistence has drawn criticism, with opposition members alleging undue executive influence over a legislative matter of significant public interest.

Tensions erupted into physical altercations when Kilaka North MP Anthony Akol took matters into his own hands—literally. In a bizarre turn, Akol moved from his seat to occupy that of MP Francis Zaake Butebi, who was about to speak. When Zaake returned to find Akol occupying his chair, a heated exchange quickly turned physical. As Zaake attempted to lift Akol from his seat, Akol retaliated with a series of punches, leaving Zaake reeling and in tears. The scuffle left the House stunned, further eroding the decorum of the session.

Anthony Akol raining punches on Zaake 

The atmosphere in parliament was further intensified by an unusual deployment of military and police personnel surrounding the precincts. MPs were subjected to stringent checks, with some expressing frustration at what they called an “environment of intimidation” that cast a shadow over their ability to freely debate critical national issues. The heavy security presence, seen by many as a means to stifle dissent, was widely condemned by opposition members.

Adding to the controversy, the Leader of the Opposition raised a pointed procedural concern, urging Speaker Anita Among to recuse herself from presiding over the debate. The request stems from earlier remarks made by Among, which were deemed as sectarian, specifically targeting the Baganda ethnic group. Opposition leaders argued that her impartiality was compromised, thus questioning the fairness of the session’s proceedings.

The session on UCDA’s rationalisation has ignited widespread public debate on the government’s role in managing Uganda’s economic resources. Critics argue that the President’s fixation on merging UCDA with other authorities is a thinly veiled attempt to centralize power over a strategic sector, reminiscent of past moves to consolidate control over critical institutions. Others believe that the high-profile clash in parliament reflects a broader struggle for autonomy within Uganda’s legislative body amid executive pressure.

As Uganda’s coffee sector faces an uncertain future, the events in parliament have underscored a growing need for transparent and respectful debate on economic policy. The heated session has highlighted the challenges that Uganda’s legislature faces in balancing accountability with executive pressure—an issue that remains pivotal as the nation grapples with decisions that could shape its economic future.

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