We are ready to work under MAAIF, says UCDA boss
MBARARA CITY, November 13, 2024 – Lauben Kaimutsya, the Regional Manager of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority [ UCDA ] for Southwestern Uganda, has expressed readiness for UCDA officials to transition and work under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF].
This follows the passage of the controversial National Coffee [Amendment] Bill, 2024, by Parliament last Wednesday, which integrates UCDA into MAAIF as part of the government’s Rationalisation of Agencies and Public Expenditure [RAPEX] initiative. The move aims to streamline government functions, reduce redundancies, and improve efficiency across public service.
In a meeting held in Mbarara City, attended by coffee stakeholders from Southwestern Uganda, Kaimutsya welcomed the government’s decision. “We appreciate that the government is looking at the bigger picture. As an agency, UCDA has at times struggled to implement certain policies without approval from the ministry. Now, under MAAIF, we hope to see improved service delivery to farmers,” Kaimutsya said.
He reassured stakeholders that dissolving UCDA would not affect its core functions, which would now fall under MAAIF, with the ministry expected to absorb some of UCDA’s technical staff.
“We have always worked within the government structure, and now that our functions will be integrated into the ministry, we are fully committed to continuing our efforts to transform the coffee sector. Our passion for advancing Uganda’s coffee industry, a key foreign exchange earner, remains unchanged,” Kaimutsya added.
However, Kaimutsya cautioned the government not to overlook the technical expertise UCDA staff have developed over the years. He emphasised that retaining this expertise is vital to maintaining the high quality of Uganda’s coffee, which is crucial for its competitiveness in global markets.
“I urge the government, particularly MAAIF, to preserve UCDA’s technical knowledge. Over the years, UCDA has accumulated substantial expertise in coffee exports, certification, marketing, and farmer engagement. Losing this expertise would be detrimental to Uganda’s coffee sector,” Kaimutsya warned.
He also noted that UCDA’s technical staff could play a significant role in improving the production of other cash crops, such as cocoa and tea. For example, UCDA has used a market analysis approach to align local production with international demand, contributing to Uganda’s success in the global coffee market.
“As we continue our work during this rationalisation process, we remain focused on our duties. Regardless of the government’s decision, we trust it will be in the best interest of coffee farmers, the sector, and the country,” Kaimutsya affirmed.
Meanwhile, Kaimutsya encouraged coffee farmers to register with the government, highlighting that the registration process is aimed at streamlining the sector and ensuring Uganda complies with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation [EUDR]. The EUDR bans the export of commodities like coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle, and wood if they are linked to recently deforested land.
“The EUDR is a blessing in disguise for coffee consumers. It allows consumers to trace the origin of their coffee, the variety, the farming practices used, and whether fair labor practices were followed. It also promotes traceability within cooperatives and unions,” Kaimutsya explained.
He added that, by December 30, 2025, any coffee that cannot be traced will be excluded from the EU market.
Currently, UCDA is conducting a coffee farmer registration exercise in several regions, including Ruwenzori, Southwestern, Central, Northern, and parts of Eastern Uganda.
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