NRM MPs Unite to Defend Speaker Anita Among Amid Coffee Bill Controversy

In a show of solidarity, National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament have pledged to defend Speaker Anita Among amidst growing tensions surrounding the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and coffee farmers in Buganda. The MPs, led by Kibanda County’s Linos Ngompek and Kitgum’s Minister Lillian Aber, criticized Buganda Caucus members opposed to the coffee bill, emphasizing that Parliament serves the entire country, not just Buganda.

Ngompek asserted that the NRM side will not back down and is prepared to engage with Buganda Caucus MPs on an intellectual level. “We will not be intimidated or swayed by personal interests,” he stated. Some NRM MPs, including Dennis Obua, General Council Whip, argue that opposition to the bill may be rooted in personal interests, such as job security fears within UCDA, rather than broader public interest.

Lillian Aber denounced what she called the “Bugandalization” of parliamentary issues, urging all MPs to consider coffee as a national matter. “We will not allow any single region to monopolize the discourse,” she cautioned. The NRM lawmakers have also signaled their readiness to confront any physical threats against Speaker Among, emphasizing their commitment to parliamentary decorum and protection of leadership.

The controversy surrounds the National Coffee Amendment Bill, 2024, which seeks to mainstream the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. The bill has sparked heated debates, with some MPs opposing the merger, citing concerns about UCDA’s effectiveness.

Parliament has vehemently denied tribal remarks targeting the Baganda, purportedly made by Speaker Anita Among during a heated debate on the bill. The Speaker herself has defended the institution, emphasizing the necessity for evidence before making accusations.

The NRM MPs’ united stance highlights the party’s commitment to national interests and its resolve to address the challenges facing the coffee sector. As the bill proceeds to its second reading, the debate is expected to continue, with the NRM MPs firmly defending their position.