By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has accused President Gen.Museveni of undermining the country’s coffee sector.
In a scathing social media post, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alleged that Museveni’s regime has consistently implemented policies detrimental to the industry, including dismantling the Coffee Marketing Board and other cooperative societies.
A History of Neglect
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu highlighted that Museveni’s government has neglected the coffee sector for decades, leaving it severely underfunded.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) operated on a meager 1% export levy from 1991 until recently.
The regime’s populist initiative, Operation Wealth Creation, launched in 2013, was eventually abandoned due to corruption.
Value Addition Rhetoric
Museveni’s recent claims of promoting “value addition” in coffee have been met with skepticism.
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu pointed out that genuine value addition efforts could have begun in 1987, potentially allowing Uganda to rival global coffee giants like NESCAFE.
Controversial Partnerships
The opposition leader criticized Museveni’s partnership with Enrica Pinetti, an unqualified investor, to produce instant coffee under Vinci Coffee.
He argued that this move bypassed established players and experienced entities, such as the Bugisu Cooperative Union.
Call for Accountability
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu emphasized the need for government accountability and stakeholder consultation.
He urged Museveni to explain the privatization of the Coffee Marketing Board and the allocation of its assets.
The opposition leader also advocated for preserving the UCDA as a strategic institution, vital to the coffee industry.
Uganda’s Vision for Rationalization
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu clarified that Ugandans seek an efficient government, not opposed to rationalization, but concerned about safeguarding critical institutions like UCDA.
He outlined the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) 2021 manifesto, which aims to end the bloated public service and promote a smaller, more effective government.
