Published on 05/09/2024
On September 6, 2024, Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua has called a crucial NRM caucus. The meeting aims to address the deepening standoff between the Executive and Legislature over the contentious merger of government agencies. Tensions rise as both sides brace for a decisive showdown.
The call for a caucus follows the recent decision by the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, to halt the re-tabling of several rationalization bills that were slated for discussion in August 2024. Magyezi emphasized the need for further consultations with key stakeholders before a final decision is made.

On September 3, 2024, President Museveni held a crucial meeting with MPs from the Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, National Economy and Finance. During the meeting, it was agreed to proceed with the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the Dairy Development Authority (DDA), which will now revert to the Ministry of Agriculture. However, the merger of UCDA will be delayed for three years to allow for a smooth transition.
Briefing journalists ahead of the caucus, MPs Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonero) and Basil Bataringaya (Kashari North) shared insights from the meeting with the President. Bwanika explained that the President made a compelling case for rationalizing the DDA and UCDA, arguing that it would save public funds. However, MPs expressed concerns over the Ministry of Agriculture’s ability to effectively manage UCDA’s mandate, particularly in maintaining the quality standards of Uganda’s coffee, which ranks as the third most valuable globally.
“We informed the President that the Ministry of Agriculture lacks the capacity to handle UCDA’s responsibilities, particularly in regulating quality, which is crucial for our international market. Should we transfer this mandate, we risk losing our competitive edge and disrupting a market that supports the livelihoods of 12.5 million Ugandans,” Bwanika cautioned.
Bwanika further noted that the President acknowledged these concerns and proposed a three-year transition period for UCDA’s integration into the Ministry of Agriculture, a proposal that will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
“The President suggested passing the law with a three-year transition clause, but many of us believe UCDA should continue operating independently, given its significant contributions to the Treasury—Shs82 billion last year—and its role in generating 15% of Uganda’s foreign earnings,” Bwanika added.
Bataringaya also confirmed that while the DDA will be integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture, the rationalization of UCDA has been postponed to ensure all stakeholders reach a consensus on the best way to regulate Uganda’s strategic coffee sector.
“The conclusion was to rationalize the Dairy Development Authority, with the law now finalized. However, for UCDA, we have agreed on a three-year period during which it will continue regulating the coffee sector, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture. This period will allow us to ensure the Ministry is adequately prepared to take over this vital sector,” Bataringaya stated.
He also echoed the MPs’ concerns about the risks posed to Uganda’s coffee industry if the sector’s regulation falters under the Ministry’s oversight. “Our fear is that any lapse in regulation could derail the progress we’ve made. We must ensure that Uganda achieves its goal of producing 20 million bags of coffee in the near future,” he added.
These developments follow Parliament’s defiance of President Museveni’s directive in February 2024, where MPs rejected the merger of agencies such as the Uganda National Roads Authority, UCDA, DDA, and others into their parent ministries. The MPs argued that inefficiencies within these ministries could further hinder service delivery.
In response, President Museveni declined to sign several of the Rationalization Bills, leading the Ministry of Public Service, which oversees the rationalization process, to re-table the bills for Parliament’s reconsideration.