Speaker Among's ‘Tribal’ Comment Sparks Outcry Amid UCDA Merger Debate

By Crown Media East Africa Reporter

KAMPALA – Parliament Speaker Anita Among is under public scrutiny following a hot microphone incident during Tuesday’s plenary session, where she inadvertently broadcast remarks perceived as ‘tribal’ in tone amid debate over a contentious proposal to merge the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). The technical oversight by Parliament’s team has reignited accusations of bias, with critics questioning her impartiality in a debate that has already seen considerable opposition from lawmakers.

The UCDA, established in 1991 to regulate Uganda’s coffee sector, has been pivotal in revitalizing coffee production and promoting Ugandan coffee internationally. With coffee as one of Uganda’s top foreign exchange earners, the authority provides essential support to farmers through training, research, and quality assurance. UCDA’s efforts have significantly bolstered Uganda's coffee exports, making the industry a cornerstone of the economy. Many MPs fear that merging UCDA with MAAIF could destabilize this progress, threatening the regulatory independence essential to the coffee sector’s success.

Several MPs voiced their frustration after the session, claiming that the Speaker’s conduct undermines Parliament’s democratic process. “It’s disturbing to see tribal sentiments interfere with such a critical national issue. Our coffee sector deserves impartial leadership that respects all regions and stakeholders,” one MP commented.

Public and social media reactions to the leaked comment have been intense, with many calling for transparency in the decision-making process and a thorough investigation into the Speaker’s conduct. Activists argue that Uganda’s coffee industry requires specialized oversight to thrive globally, while Speaker Among’s office has yet to issue an official statement.

As discussions over UCDA's future continue, the incident has intensified calls for leaders to ensure the debate on Uganda's coffee sector remains free from bias, reflecting the interests of both the farmers and the nation at large.

Comments

Beyond Regime Change: Why Africa Needs a Mindset Revolution

OPINION: Africa Must Move Beyond Regime Change Politics By Ouma Patrick, Aspiring Member of Parliament – Samia Bugwe Central Crown Media East Africa For decades, African politics has been trapped in a single, loud narrative: regime change. Citizens are told that their problems — poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak services — will magically disappear once a new group of leaders replaces the old. But Africa’s experience shows a harsher truth: regime change alone does not deliver transformation. Across the continent, opposition leaders gain popularity by condemning the failures of sitting governments. Yet once some of them enter the same systems they criticized — appointed to high offices, given access to state resources, or absorbed into government structures — they often become part of the elite they once fought. Their lives change; the lives of ordinary citizens do not. This political cycle has produced a troubling dependency mindset. Citizens have been conditioned to wait fo...

UPDF and China Sign New Bilateral Military Agreement

By: Bwire Jonathan The crown media East Africa UPDF and China Sign New Bilateral Military Agreement Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba , has concluded high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli , resulting in the signing of a new bilateral military agreement. The deal aims to strengthen cooperation in defence training , technology transfer , and strategic coordination . It marks another step in the long-standing partnership between Kampala and Beijing , while also reflecting China’s expanding role in Africa’s security affairs . For Uganda, the agreement comes at a time when the UPDF is pushing for modernization and greater regional influence. Improved access to Chinese military expertise and equipment is expected to enhance Uganda’s operational readiness in peacekeeping missions , counter-terrorism efforts , and border security operations. Locally, defence analysts point out that the pact could ...

Over UGX 1 Billion Raised for Little Sisters of Immaculate During Gen. Salim Saleh’s 64th Birthday in Gulu City

By : Bwire Jonathan The crown media East Africa Over UGX 1 Billion Raised for Little Sisters of Immaculate During Gen. Salim Saleh’s 64th Birthday in Gulu City Gulu City witnessed an extraordinary act of generosity as over UGX 1 billion was raised for the Little Sisters of Immaculate during Gen. Salim Saleh's 64th birthday celebrations. The event brought together well-wishers, leaders, and philanthropists who united to support the charitable organization, renowned for its work in health care, education, and social welfare. In a heartfelt message, the Little Sisters of Immaculate expressed profound gratitude for the contributions, emphasizing that the funds will enable them to expand their outreach, improve their services, and touch more lives in need. Their work, which focuses on uplifting vulnerable communities, has gained respect and admiration across the country. The Example It Sets: This milestone offers several important lessons for society: 1. Unity in Giving: The even...

The crown 👑

Search This Blog