Parliamentary ReportTop Story

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.

Related posts

Museveni Intervenes to Save Aponye Empire from Collapsing Two Years After Founder’s Death

Dean Lubowa Saava

Diplomatic Breakdown: Trump and Zelensky’s White House Meeting Ends in Angry Confrontation

Ssekanyumiza Amansa Bwino

A Salute to Service 52 SFC Officers Retire with Honor as Commander Hails Museveni’s Leadership

Barbra Zeka

The National Unity Platform Recruits New Members.

admin

Uganda’s Health Committee Chairperson Slams Government’s ‘Mind-Boggling’ Decision to Divert Ambulance Funds.

Cathy Mirembe

Uganda’s Poverty Reality Check: Many Have Never Touched a Million, Museveni Speaks Out

Ssekanyumiza Amansa Bwino

Defamation Drama Unfolds: Top High Court Judge to Hear LoP Senyonyi’s Case Against Journalist Saava.

Cathy Mirembe

Kampala Landfill Disaster: President Museveni Sacks Top KCCA Officials

Cathy Mirembe

BREAKING NEWS: Hon. Mike Mukula Takes Over Paragon Hospital in Multimillion-Dollar Deal

Dean Lubowa Saava

Breaking: Moyes to leave West Ham at the end of the season

Dean Lubowa Saava

Leave a Comment