National Unity Platform presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has pledged to stabilise coffee prices if elected President, saying farmers must benefit fairly from one of Uganda's most important cash crops.
Kyagulanyi made the pledge on Monday while addressing a campaign rally at Kitaasa Playground in Bukomansimbi Town Council during his consultative tour of the greater Masaka sub-region.
The NUP leader, who had earlier campaigned in Kalungu District, later proceeded to Bukomansimbi, where he addressed residents in Bukomansimbi North and Bukomansimbi South constituencies.
At the rally, residents raised concerns about fluctuating coffee prices as well as internal disagreements within the party.
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Some NUP flag bearers expressed dissatisfaction with party members who defied decisions of the party's electoral commission during the recent card distribution exercise and opted to contest as independent candidates.
"Dear President, I want to report to you that some of our members defied the party's decision and came back as independents here in Bukomansimbi after losing the party card," said Fred Nyenje Kayiira, the NUP flag bearer for the LCV chairperson position.
Residents also told Kyagulanyi that despite Bukomansimbi being one of the leading coffee-producing districts in the region, farmers continue to suffer due to unstable prices and exploitation by middlemen.
"Our dear President, I want to report to you that Bukomansimbi is the leading coffee-growing district here in Uganda but our farmers are still suffering from unstable coffee prices, which sometimes lead them into losses. They want you to address the issue of unstable coffee prices and also see how you can help them gain from coffee production," said Veronica Nanyondo, also known as Bbeeyi Yabirime, the NUP flag bearer for the district Woman Member of Parliament seat.
Muwanga Kivumbi, the NUP vice chairperson for the Buganda region, criticised government decisions on coffee value addition. "President, I also want to report to you that the government decided to build a coffee processing machine in Ntungamo District, where they prioritise cattle keeping as their economic activity, and left behind Bukomansimbi, the most coffee-growing district," he said.
In response, Kyagulanyi reminded residents that every Ugandan has an equal stake in the country and urged them to participate actively in the electoral process as a peaceful way of changing leadership.
He assured coffee farmers that an NUP-led government would put in place mechanisms to ensure stable and fair prices, noting that agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda's economy.
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Addressing concerns surrounding the NUP party card for Bukomansimbi North, Kyagulanyi admitted it was a mistake for the party to initially hand the card to Kayongo Engagga.
He said he later personally retrieved it and returned it to Ndiwalana, who had first been issued the card.
He called on supporters to remain united and vote only for candidates carrying the umbrella symbol on the ballot paper.
Kyagulanyi also urged voters to support Veronica Nanyondo for the Woman Member of Parliament seat, saying he had forgiven her for past mistakes. He added that she is human and capable of error.
Kyagulanyi is expected to continue his campaign tour in other districts of the greater Masaka sub-region as Uganda prepares for the January 15, 2026 general elections.
