By AGGREY BULUBA
On October 24, 2024, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among made a statement about merging several government bodies, including the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), urging legislators to ensure that “the Baganda don’t win.” The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, did not take this lightly. Using his X (formerly Twitter) account, Mayiga voiced his concerns about the plan to dismantle UCDA. He reminded the public that the Buganda Kingdom has long warned against such a move, emphasizing that UCDA is vital in managing coffee production—a livelihood backbone for approximately two million Ugandan families.
Mayiga stressed that dissolving UCDA would harm the Baganda people, who contribute nearly 50% of Uganda’s coffee exports. He suggested that Speaker Among and other supporters of the amendment bill view this as a political maneuver against the Baganda, stirring resentment.
Mayiga urged the Baganda and all Ugandans to continue farming coffee, asserting that their hard work and income should not be sacrificed for political games. He assured the people that the Emmwanyi Terimba Initiative, a project aimed at boosting coffee farming, would continue despite these political developments.
This strong response from Buganda’s leader has heightened tensions and sparked mixed reactions. Some believe the bill to dissolve UCDA unfairly targets Buganda, while others are concerned about its broader impact on Uganda’s coffee industry. The debate has also reignited discussions about Buganda’s relationship with the central government.
In closing, Mayiga encouraged coffee farmers to remain steadfast and focus on their livelihoods, despite political distractions. The debate continues, with Buganda’s leaders determined to protect the interests of their people, come what may.
As the saying goes, “A wise person does not uproot the tree that gives them shade.”
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