Opposition Vows to Defend Coffee Farmers Amid Controversy Over UCDA Merger

Story by Uziah Tusaasire

Opposition legislators have pledged to champion the economic empowerment of coffee farmers, despite threats of impending arrests by security forces during the upcoming debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024.

The bill seeks to dissolve the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, made the proclamation while addressing journalists at Parliament today, condemning the government’s efforts to frame the UCDA merger debate with tribal and partisan rhetoric as a means to divide Ugandans.

Ssenyonyi questioned the government’s commitment to cutting expenses, citing contradictions in the President’s actions.

“If the President is serious about reducing government spending, why do we see the constant creation of new districts and constituencies ahead of elections? Why maintain a bloated Cabinet, with numerous Presidential Advisors, RDCs, Deputy RDCs, and even Assistant Deputy RDCs?” he asked, urging the President to be genuine in his cost-cutting initiatives. “Stop preaching water and drinking wine; don’t mislead the people of Uganda,” Ssenyonyi challenged.

Written by Editor