The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has openly criticized efforts to dismantle the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), suggesting that the push for its dissolution is a calculated move to undermine Buganda’s interests.
In a post on his X account following a heated parliamentary debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill, Mayiga stated that Buganda is undeterred by what he described as attempts to penalize the kingdom. He asserted that the proposed bill, which seeks to transfer UCDA’s functions to the Ministry of Agriculture, is seen by some political players and their supporters as a win against Buganda, noting, “Scrapping UCDA is apparently a punishment against Baganda, who contribute nearly 50% of Uganda’s coffee exports.”
Mayiga emphasized that Buganda’s Emmwanyi Terimba initiative, which promotes coffee cultivation across the kingdom, will continue without disruption. He pointed out that the UCDA plays a critical role in managing Uganda’s coffee sector, upon which nearly two million households rely. Buganda, he added, has consistently opposed the dismantling of UCDA, warning that this move could disrupt livelihoods and destabilize coffee production.
“I urge Baganda—and all Ugandans—to continue growing coffee,” he said, “as your livelihood is more important than the motives of present-day politicians.”
The matter escalated into a heated debate, leading to the adjournment of Parliament, sine die.
