Katikkiro Mayiga, Buganda MPs to Meet Museveni Over Coffee Bill
Buganda Parliamentary Caucus chairperson, MP Butambala, Muwang Kivumbi
Kampala November 2 — Members of Parliament from Buganda region under their umbrella, “The Buganda Parliamentary” Caucus, are to meet President Museveni at State House, Entebbe to discuss the controversial coffee amendment bill.
According to sources the meeting was brokered by the Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, in a bid to reach an amicable solution to the coffee amendment bill.
Sources further say Katikkiro Mayiga stealthily had a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among in one of the hotels in Entebbe early this week where they discussed the coffee issue and probably connected to President Museveni with whom they held lengthy discussion on coffee amendment bill and agreed to organizing a meeting between the President and legislators of the Buganda caucus.
The meeting between President Museveni and the Buganda Parliamentary caucus is expected to extensively discuss issues regarding the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024 that seeks, among other things, to dissolve the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and transfer its functions to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
The chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Cause, Muwanga Kivumbi, says the meeting comes after a lengthy conversation between the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga and President Museveni over the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and the need to develop the coffee industry.
Kivumbi says after the meeting, Katikkiro Mayiga requested Museveni to meet the legislators and listen to their views to come up with a harmonized solution to the heated debate over the coffee bill.
“Of course, we are going to meet Museveni and express our people’s objections to the bill. We are going to meet him in the interest of the Katikkiro who requested the meeting because we know he represents the interests of the people of Buganda,” Kivumbi said.
The Caucus has already established two separate committees to oppose the Coffee Bill.One committee is tasked with formulating a statement that will be presented to Museveni, whereas another committee is a legal team tasked with analyzing the bill and making recommendations both to the President and Parliament.
This is not the first time Uganda has experienced the coffee crisis which erupts whenever the reigning government tries to take over the overall control of the coffee industry.
In1960s, when the Uganda government under Milton Obote attempted to take over control of coffee prices and exports, led to coffee riots as farmers expressed dissatisfaction of the trend. Also early 1980s, government then tried to take over control of the coffee industry when it appointed the army chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Oyite Ojok to manage the Coffee Marketing Board.
Katikkiro Mayiga, Buganda MPs to Meet Museveni Over Coffee Bill
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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.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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