“Museveni Thinks Twice Before Doing Anything, Leave Him Alone” Says Frank Tumwebaze
Minister Frank Tumwebaze has come out swinging in defense of Uganda’s government, dismissing claims that it’s “gambling” with key national policies.
Specifically, Tumwebaze, who serves as the Agriculture Minister, pointed to the country’s 1991 coffee liberalization as a shining example of the government’s thoughtful and deliberate approach. This move, he argued, has sparked significant economic growth and transformed Uganda’s coffee industry into a booming sector that still benefits farmers today.
Tumwebaze believes that critics who label the government’s actions as “gambling” simply fail to see the bigger picture or are driven by political motivations. He emphasized that the government’s coffee policies aim to create sustainable growth for small-scale farmers and expand Uganda’s market reach. A key example of this is the country’s long-standing coffee roadmap, which aims to increase coffee production to 20 million bags by 2030.
At the heart of Tumwebaze’s argument is the idea that the opposition’s skepticism stems from a misunderstanding of Uganda’s long-term goals. By promoting coffee as a major export, Uganda has improved incomes for many farmers and strengthened economic independence, aligning with the country’s strategic vision. Tumwebaze sees the government’s work in coffee as evidence of a well-thought-out policy approach, rather than reckless risk-taking.
In defense of President Museveni’s administration, Tumwebaze highlighted that agriculture policies, including those for coffee, are shaped by evidence and experience. By encouraging private sector investment, liberalizing key industries, and providing farmers with necessary support, Uganda’s government has avoided the pitfalls of “gambling” policies. With his extensive background in education and politics, Tumwebaze is well-positioned to speak to the government’s approach.
As the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Tumwebaze brings a wealth of experience to the table, overseeing initiatives such as improving postharvest handling and storage of agricultural products .
His previous roles include Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Minister of Information Technology and Communications, and Minister for the Presidency. With this breadth of knowledge, Tumwebaze is confident in the government’s ability to drive sustainable growth and development in Uganda’s agriculture sector.