President Museveni signs National Coffee (Amendment) Bill into law

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially signed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law, according to a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) on Monday, December 23, 2024.

The signing, which took place on December 20, marks a pivotal moment for Uganda’s coffee sector and finalizes the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

The bill, passed by Parliament on November 6, 2024, amid heated debates and chaotic scenes, ushers in significant changes for one of Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners.

The contentious process saw verbal clashes between supporters of the bill, led by President Museveni, and opposing legislators, with some MPs reportedly hospitalized after the fracas. Media coverage of the proceedings was restricted, adding to the controversy surrounding its passage.

The new law transfers the activities of the UCDA to the Ministry of Agriculture, a move proponents argue will streamline coffee sector governance. For decades, UCDA played a crucial role in regulating and overseeing coffee production, trade, quality control, research, and marketing to maximize earnings for stakeholders in the value chain.

Scholars and industry experts supportive of the amendment believe it will bolster coffee production, improve quality control, and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in international markets. The law introduces stricter oversight to ensure compliance with export contracts and adherence to global food safety standards.

“This law signals the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers while securing Uganda’s standing as a leading global coffee exporter,” noted one industry analyst.

The National Coffee (Amendment) Act is expected to bring transformative changes, aligning the sector with the government’s broader agenda to modernize agriculture and support economic growth.

As Uganda continues to position itself as a powerhouse in the global coffee trade, stakeholders await the full impact of this legislative milestone.