Kampala, Uganda – The Executive Directors of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) are set to hand over their offices and government property as part of a significant restructuring in the agricultural sector. This transition follows Parliament’s decision to repeal the acts that established these agencies, along with the Cotton Development Organisation (CDO) and the Dairy Development Authority (DDA).
Under Secretary Ronald Gyagenda Ssegawa confirmed that these agencies effectively ceased to exist on December 23, 2024, with their functions transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF). The formal handover is scheduled for January 2, 2025.
The dissolution aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the agricultural sector. However, it raises concerns about job security for staff members, as a transparent process will determine which core staff will be retained. Terminal benefits will be provided for those not retained, with estimates suggesting that the implementation of the National Coffee Amendment Bill alone could cost approximately sh3.4 billion.
President Yoweri Museveni has defended the government’s decision to rationalize these agencies, arguing that their functions can be better managed under MAAIF. The move has sparked debate about the effectiveness of these agencies in promoting agricultural development in Uganda.