Minutes before the vote on the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which had sharply divided Parliament over the two days of debate, Ms Among was seen and heard in a video giving instructions to the Clerk of table to ensure that the bill guaranteed the figures were needed to thwart the predictions of those who opposed it.

But once assured of the numbers of 80 versus 130, she then ordered, “Then we better make sure that these…” as her voice trailed off.

However, these somewhat hushed words have since sparked multiple reactions from the public, Buganda Kingdom and Buganda region MPs, who said the President had pointed the finger at Buganda in his statement and had asked to apologize for the alleged unsavory statement.

Buganda Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga also posted on his official platform Buganda, which contributes about 50 percent of Uganda’s coffee exports. .

President Museveni also weighed in, asking stakeholders to stop stoking tribal sentiments, saying his government has concentrated the bulk of coffee projects in the center and sees no reason to leave the region out.

As the bill moves through Parliament, a pressing concern remains: Will this crucial legislation fall prey to tribal and political machinations?

Uganda’s coffee industry, a cornerstone of the economy and livelihoods of millions across the country, requires a bipartisan approach, and it is for this and other factors that we urge the government and Parliament to ensure that the bill goes beyond petty politics and regional interests. .

As things stand, Uganda’s coffee sector finds itself at a crossroads. The proposed amendments aim to streamline regulations, improve quality control and increase farmers’ incomes. However, rumors of tribal and political maneuvering threaten to derail the process. This is unacceptable. Coffee is a national treasure that transcends regional and ethnic boundaries.

The provisions of the bill, aimed at transferring the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to the Ministry of Commerce and promoting value addition, should be assessed on their merits alone. Politicization will only fragment the industry, pitting regions and communities against each other, but it is essential to share ideas on how to get more from cash crops.

The focus must remain on empowering farmers, improving productivity and increasing competitiveness in the global market rather than on which region benefits more than the other.

Parliament must resist the temptation to inject tribal and political agendas into the debate. Instead, they should engage in constructive dialogue, prioritizing the interests of the nation over narrow groups. The government should also show leadership, ensuring that the bill serves the broader national good.