“Don’t Even Extend Closure Nor Touch Our Coffee” Top NRM MP Blasts Museveni

In a recent letter, James Kaberuka, a Member of Parliament (MP) and a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, expressed deep concerns about comments made by President Yoweri Museveni during an NRM caucus meeting. According to reports, the president had referred to opponents of the controversial Coffee Bill as criminals, a statement that Kaberuka found troubling and undemocratic.As an MP, Kaberuka believes that such remarks not only undermine democratic principles but also disregard the views of both parliamentarians and the citizens they represent.

He voiced his frustrations not only as a member of the ruling party but also as someone who is directly accountable to his constituents, many of whom have expressed concerns about the bill.Kaberuka began his letter by candidly acknowledging his dissatisfaction with the direction that both the party and the government appear to be taking under President Museveni’s leadership. As an elected representative, Kaberuka feels that his role and the roles of his fellow MPs are being diminished, particularly when they are summoned to meetings without prior notice of the agenda.He likens this situation to attending an international summit without knowing the topics to be discussed. For Kaberuka, this approach reflects not only a lack of respect for the MPs but also a broader disregard for the concerns of the voters they represent.

He raises the question of whether this failure to consult MPs is the result of President Museveni’s personal disregard for parliamentarians or a deeper indifference to the citizens’ concerns.The MP’s letter goes on to address the more troubling issue of the president’s inflammatory language. President Museveni’s recent comments, where he referred to those opposing the Coffee Bill as criminals, have sparked alarm among many, including Kaberuka. The MP strongly condemned such rhetoric, emphasizing that a healthy democracy thrives on open dialogue, mutual respect, and the acceptance of differing opinions.Kaberuka argues that democratic processes should encourage free expression and debate, rather than silencing dissent through threats and intimidation. He urges the president to reconsider his approach, particularly in relation to the Coffee Bill, which has generated significant opposition. Kaberuka points out that the bill, in its current form, could have adverse effects on Uganda’s coffee farmers, many of whom depend on the coffee industry for their livelihoods. He calls on President Museveni to seriously engage with the concerns raised by the farmers and other stakeholders, rather than dismissing them out of hand.One of Kaberuka’s major points of contention is the apparent contradictions in President Museveni’s stance on government agencies, particularly the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

While the president has publicly criticized the UCDA as a “parasitic” institution, he continues to allocate billions of shillings to various advisory committees and other institutions under his direct control. Kaberuka questions this apparent double standard, pointing out the inconsistency in the president’s handling of public funds. He challenges the rationale behind funding multiple presidential advisory bodies, many of which seem redundant, while at the same time attacking agencies like the UCDA, which plays a key role in supporting Uganda’s coffee sector. For Kaberuka, the focus should be on improving the efficiency of government institutions and reducing unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, rather than expanding government structures that ultimately drain public resources.In addition, .

Kaberuka expressed concerns about the proposal to move the UCDA under the Ministry of Agriculture. He argued that such a move would be misguided, given the Ministry of Agriculture’s poor track record in handling other agricultural sectors, such as tea promotion and disease control. Kaberuka questioned whether the Ministry of Agriculture, which has struggled with its responsibilities in these areas, is equipped to handle the UCDA, an agency that has been instrumental in promoting coffee production and exports. He urged the government to adopt a more rational and evidence-based approach when making decisions that affect farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.

Kaberuka emphasized that opposing the Coffee Bill is not about rejecting efforts to streamline government operations but about ensuring that any changes to the coffee sector are implemented in a way that benefits Uganda’s farmers, who are central to the industry.In the final section of his letter, Kaberuka appealed to President Museveni’s sense of responsibility to the people of Uganda. He warned that pushing forward with controversial policies like the Coffee Bill, especially in the lead-up to a general election, could have serious consequences for the ruling NRM party. If the president continues to push policies that are seen as detrimental to the interests of Ugandans, particularly those in the agricultural sector, Kaberuka warned that this could lead to significant backlash.

Such actions, he suggested, could damage the party’s image and reduce the chances of NRM MPs winning in the upcoming elections. Kaberuka called on President Museveni to think about the long-term consequences of his actions and prioritize the welfare of Ugandans over partisan interests.Ultimately, Kaberuka’s letter is a plea for greater dialogue, respect for differing opinions, and a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to governance. He made it clear that he is not opposed to rationalizing government operations or improving Uganda’s coffee industry. However, he believes that any efforts to reform the sector should be grounded in careful consideration of the views and needs of all stakeholders, particularly those of the farmers who form the backbone of the coffee industry. By urging President Museveni to listen to dissenting voices and adopt a more transparent, consultative approach, Kaberuka hopes to foster a political climate that is more democratic and responsive to the needs of the people. In doing so, he aims to ensure that the voices of ordinary Ugandans, especially the farmers, are heard and respected in the policymaking process.