Bugisu Youth and Elders Protest UCDA Merger

On Thursday 31st October, 2024 afternoon, elders and youth leaders from Bugisu gathered at the BCU Factory premises, holding placards with messages opposing the proposed merger of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Professor Kiboma Gimuyi, chairperson of the Bugisu Elders Forum, stated that UCDA has played an important role in improving coffee quality and the coffee value chain in Uganda. He warned that dissolving the authority could harm the country’s coffee sector.

Retired Bishop Wabulakha also expressed concerns, acknowledging UCDA’s weaknesses but arguing that these should be addressed independently, as the Ministry of Agriculture may lack the capacity to effectively handle coffee affairs.

Wilson Lukaye, Mbale City’s male youth councilor, highlighted young people's opposition, noting that coffee is crucial to their livelihoods. He emphasized that UCDA’s established role in the coffee value chain is essential, and they strongly oppose the merge.