Katikkiro Mayiga assures farmers of benefits from coffee registration exercise
Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, addresses coffee stakeholders during a meeting at Bulange Mengo, emphasizing the importance of registering for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to secure a market for Uganda’s coffee.KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has assured coffee farmers in the kingdom that the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) registration exercise will bring numerous benefits to their livelihoods.“The European Union’s regulations for coffee exports are designed to protect the livelihoods of over 15 million Ugandans who depend on coffee. It is our collective responsibility – government, UCDA, and all stakeholders – to ensure compliance with these regulations, safeguarding the well-being of our farmers and the entire coffee industry,” Katikkiro said.During a meeting with key stakeholders in the coffee sector at Bulange Mengo on Friday 6, Owek. Mayiga emphasized that the registration of coffee sector players is intended to benefit farmers to secure access to the European Union market, which offers Ugandan coffee farmers better prices and enhanced market opportunities.“The registration of farmers is crucial for their benefit,” said the Katikkiro assuring farmers that the registration exercise will not attract additional taxes or levies but is a necessary step to ensure Uganda’s coffee meets the EU’s stringent regulations.Katikkiro Mayiga highlighted the transformative impact of coffee on the farming community in Buganda, noting its significant contribution to improving the lives of many farmers.“Coffee has become a vital source of income for many families in the kingdom, enabling them to access basic necessities like education and healthcare,” Mayiga explained. However, Mayiga warned that a ban on Ugandan coffee from European Union markets would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the farming community of over 7 million people.“If we fail to meet the EU regulations, coffee prices might fall starting January 2025,” Katikkiro Mayiga cautioned. “This would have devastating consequences for our farmers, who rely heavily on coffee for their livelihoodThe Katikkiro further explained that the registration exercise will enhance coffee traceability, enabling buyers to track the origin of their coffee.This increased transparency, he noted, will foster trust and confidence in the market, ultimately benefiting farmers.He assured farmers that the registration process is transparent, secure, and solely intended to support them, dispelling rumors of any hidden agenda. “Let me assure you, there are no hidden motives behind this registration exercise. We are not planning to impose taxes or any other mischief on you. This is purely for your benefit and the country’s benefit.”Owek. Fred Luzinda Mukasa, UCDA Board Representative who led the delegation praised the Kingdom of Buganda for its efforts in promoting coffee cultivation, leading to a significant increase in monthly harvests. Owek. Mukasa, lauded the Katikkiro for his outstanding efforts during a meeting at Bulange Mengo.The meeting also saw the approval of a grant to develop 30 acres of coffee through BUCADEF, set to boost production and farmer livelihoods.Additionally, UCDA presented a moisture meter to the Katikkiro to enhance coffee quality monitoring, ensuring high-quality beans for the EU market.Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Director of Development Services at UCDA, said that Uganda’s coffee exports to the EU average 63% and that the legislation has a direct impact on the country’s coffee trade.The EUDR requires coffee exporters to submit detailed land-use maps, comply with local legislation, and provide a due diligence statement covering the entire coffee supply chain.Dr. Kyalo said Uganda has made significant progress in complying with the regulation, including setting up an EUDR task force, engaging international partners, and developing an EUDR action plan.The country is now in the final stages of rolling out a country-wide coffee value chain registration exercise, which will form the basis for coffee traceability.He called for full cooperation from industry players, cultural, religious, administrative, and political leaders to ensure the success of the registration exercise.Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/business/2024/09/katikkiro-mayiga-assures-farmers-of-benefits-from-coffee-registration-exercise.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum