How It Happened: Tensions, scuffles, as parliament passed the controversial Coffee Bill

Uganda’s Parliament on Wednesday passed the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, setting in motion the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

However, the session was anything but smooth, marked by heated exchanges, suspensions, and a dramatic opposition walkout led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.

The day’s tensions began with a motion by State Minister for Works Musa Ecweru to read the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Repeal Bill. Shortly after, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake raised alarm, alleging he saw a firearm in the chamber, which intensified the atmosphere.

Attempting to address the issue, Zaake clashed with Kilak North MP Anthony Akol, resulting in a physical scuffle next to Speaker Anita Among’s chair. The Speaker immediately suspended the House for 30 minutes to restore order.

Upon resumption, Speaker Among suspended 12 opposition MPs, including Akol and Zaake, for causing disruptions. The Speaker, citing Rule 88 (2), ordered the suspended MPs to leave the House immediately.

Ssenyonyi voiced concerns about the treatment of opposition MPs, condemning the expulsion of journalists from the press gallery and what he described as unwarranted security measures, which further heightened the opposition’s frustration.

Moments later, Ssenyonyi led a walkout, leaving the session dominated by ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs. Taking advantage of the opposition’s absence, the House moved to vote on the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, passing it with 305 votes. The bill will see the UCDA phased out over three years, transferring regulatory functions to a department within the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze expressed optimism, commending Parliament’s support and emphasizing that coffee remains Uganda’s premium export. He reassured stakeholders that the Ministry will uphold international standards and develop the coffee value chain to maintain global market access.

However, opposition MPs have remained vocal against the Bill, arguing that the UCDA has ensured high standards and protected farmers’ interests for over 30 years. They warn that dissolving the UCDA could jeopardize Uganda’s international coffee certification and harm coffee export quality.

The day’s events capped off with Speaker Among rejecting opposition claims of bias, asserting that any complaints should be substantiated with evidence. The Bill’s passage, though marred by chaotic proceedings, now signals a significant shift for Uganda’s coffee sector, placing its future regulatory framework under the Ministry’s jurisdiction amid ongoing debate and regional concerns.