Sources report that President Museveni intends to convene a meeting with NRM MPs from the Buganda region, many of whom have voiced strong opposition to the integration plan.
The Cabinet has backtracked on its earlier decision to initiate a three-year transition plan that would merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture.
This reversal comes after a caucus meeting that included key lawmakers, notably Abed Bwanika, MP for Kimaanya Kabonera, and reflects the intensifying debate surrounding UCDA's future.
Although the government has not yet released an official statement, the Minister for ICT has indicated that a public address on the issue will be made on Tuesday, November 5, at the Uganda Media Centre.
Sources report that President Museveni intends to convene a meeting with National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs from the Buganda region, many of whom have voiced strong opposition to the integration plan.
These MPs are under pressure from constituents who see the move as potentially damaging to Uganda's vital coffee sector.
The ongoing discussions highlight a deepening division among lawmakers. While some MPs are being encouraged to align with the government's stance, others face warnings against opposing the president on a policy that could affect their support base.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua has directed all NRM members--including ministers and independents aligned with the NRM--to attend parliament and support the rationalization plans, which were previously endorsed by both Cabinet and the NRM Caucus.
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Obua's directive underscores the president's push for unity on what he calls a "great idea" despite resistance from MPs unwilling to alienate their constituents.
One of the vocal opponents, MP Museveni, stated, "Our people are still not convinced; they are saying UCDA should not go. If we are representatives of the people, then we must uphold their position."
The government's approach has drawn criticism from several lawmakers, including MP Muwanga Kivumbi, who argues that pressure on MPs to support unpopular decisions indicates a disconnect between the president and public sentiment. Kivumbi asserted,
"For the president to ignore the voices of the people shows how much he has lost the will of the people. We wait for a showdown--do they really have to intimidate MPs over coffee?"
With discussions expected to continue at State House, speculation is rising about possible repercussions for MPs who oppose the bill.
The outcome could have a lasting impact on Uganda's coffee sector, which is a significant economic driver and a key issue for many voters.
The coming days will reveal whether MPs can maintain their stance in defense of the UCDA or if government pressure will sway the vote in favor of the proposed integration plan.
