Joseph Kiiza Kabuleta, President of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), has launched a scathing attack on President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of deliberately trying to keep Ugandans in poverty through the proposed UCDA coffee bill.
Kabuleta’s sentiments echo those of former President Milton Obote, who in 2004, branded Museveni a “consummate liar” .
“This is a deliberate move by President Museveni to prevent rural wealth accumulation, the planned UCDA merger is determined to suppress any financial gains among farmers or anyone who engages themselves in any legitimate commercial activity.”
The controversy surrounds the merger of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, a move critics argue will undermine the coffee industry’s integrity and the livelihoods of millions of Ugandans who depend on coffee farming .
Museveni’s administration has been accused of attempting to control rural wealth, with Kabuleta asserting that the bill is designed to prevent Ugandans from accumulating wealth. The UCDA has been instrumental in regulating Uganda’s coffee sector, and its dissolution has sparked widespread outrage.
Many view the move as a power grab by Museveni, aimed at centralizing control over the lucrative coffee industry. The Buganda MPs have vowed to oppose the bill, citing concerns that it could harm the ruling party’s chances in the 2026 general elections .Kabuleta’s accusations are not isolated.
“I am pleased that people are finally recognizing what we have been cautioning against—President Museveni’s measures to control rural wealth. When he took over in 1986, Uganda’s coffee exports were valued at $94 million which managed to support livelihoods by then.” Kabuleta Reveals
“Much of the coffee revenue bypasses farmers, as Uganda’s top 10 coffee export companies are foreign-owned including those with local branding who are licensed by government maintain a hierarchy of middlemen to maximize their profits while limiting the earnings of Ugandan farmers.” He added
Amama Mbabazi, Museveni’s former Prime Minister and comrade-in-arms, has also spoken out against the President’s leadership style, citing his refusal to honor commitments ². The recurring theme of deception has led many to question Museveni’s motives.
The recurring theme of deception has led many to question Museveni’s motives.As Uganda grapples with its political challenges, Kabuleta’s words serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of unfulfilled promises.
The proposed UCDA merger has ignited a national debate, with many Ugandans demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders.As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fate of Uganda’s coffee sector and the livelihoods of millions hang in the balance. Will Museveni’s administration listen to the concerns of Ugandans, or will the UCDA merger proceed, potentially perpetuating poverty and inequality? Only time will tell.