A section of legislators from the central region under their umbrella “The Buganda Parliamentary” Caucus is set to meet President Museveni at State House, Entebbe to discuss the boiling coffee amendmend bill.
The meeting is expected to extensively discuss issues regarding the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024 that seeks, among other things, to dissolve the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and transfer its functions to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
According to Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, the chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Cause, the meeting comes after a lengthy conversation between the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and Museveni over the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and the need to develop the coffee industry.
Kivumbi says after the meeting, Katikkiro Mayiga requested Museveni to meet the legislators and listen to their views to come up with a harmonized solution to the heated debate over the coffee bill.
“Of course, we are going to meet Museveni and express our people’s objections to the bill. We are going to meet him in the interest of the Katikkiro who requested the meeting because we know he represents the interests of the people of Buganda,” Kivumbi said.
The Caucus has already established two separate committees to oppose the Coffee Bill.
One committee is tasked with formulating a statement that will be presented to Museveni, whereas another committee is a legal team tasked with analyzing the bill and making recommendations both to the President and Parliament.