In advance of the Rukungiri By-Election in April 2018, the National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was giving away a lot of free stuff to the constituents. That was in favor of securing their candidate in the by-election that was held on the 31st May 2018 and the final verdict came on the 1st June 2018. That the Forum for Democratic Change MP Candidate won. Now we are in the midst of June, the date is 11th June 2018 and the state have addressed their concerns now.
Now in the midst of all this. The NRM and Museveni has now impounded the Boda Boda’s they gave to the public. They offered a 1000 boda boda’s to the Rukungiri District. We are surely soon seeing the lorries and the wood-machines also being pounded by the state. Because they didn’t deserve this stuff, when the ruling regime lost the battle in Rukungiri.
We are now seeing how belittling and how foolish these bribes are, they are only acceptable when the NRM wins. They will not touch it and the NRM are now revenging their loss. They are taking back their gifts. Who takes away gifts anyways? How the NRM defend this?
I am not in favor of these gifts. Instead of delivering service delivery and securing funds for government projects. This is one-time gifts which is not sustainable or for the goodness of the community. However, when they are already given to the district and the public. It is disgusting to take it back. Would you take away the roses your giving to your wife? Would you dare to take the candy given to a small child?
That is why this is disgusting and horrific. If the state cared about theses citizens they would keep the gifts and not impound it. Are they clearing the accounts of the SACCO’s and NAADs too? What else are they up to since the NRM is revenging the voters of Rukungiri.
The NRM are acting like an ex-girlfriend wanting their gifts back. They gave nice gifts to the boyfriend, but now demanding them back, because he wasn’t good enough. That is the truth. The NRM is acting like whiny little bitch. Not like a responsible party, the gifts and the bribes is not sustainable. However, it is such a charade when your impounding the gifts given a month ago. How little do you respect the rights of voting for who your favoring?
This is sour and bitter, weak and such a bitch move. Peace.
There been new reports on the gold smuggling to Uganda from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, it needs more reporting, as this illegal trading and looting of mineral resources from the Republic needs to be put a spotlight on. As this trade is feeding illegitimate government and militias whose using force against innocent civilians and citizens in general. This report that is reported in the report from the Group of Experts are expelling a deep, but also a volatile story of how they are transporting and getting the illegal gold into the market.
We can wonder if this gold enters the Gen. Salim Selah owned African Gold Refinery Limited in Entebbe, before flying away into the World Market through the brokers and traders there. We can question that, as the government on both sides of the border is accepting this. They are both earning on this and not registering it. Therefore, the location of extraction is kept secret, while the production and the paperwork is kept under the radar. That is why the consumer cannot know under what condition the gold came from and that is worrying. The smuggling, the lack of paperwork and forging of documents shows they are really pushing the boundaries to get into the global markets.
Also, this shows how blatant disregard for maladministration, they have done deliberately and not cared about the public.
“Smugglers used the road to Mahagi, where they travelled either by motorbike, taxi or even truck. At the border with Uganda, when they were eventually checked, they bribed customs officials on the Congolese side. All of the Group’s informants on this issue confirmed that, in Goli, on the Ugandan side of the border, they were not asked to present papers or explain the origin of gold that they carried. Mahagi is a long-established hub of the smuggling route” (P: 22)
“Two brokers told the Group that they mainly carried gold from mining sites in Kawa and Monbgwalu in Djugu territory. When they arrived in Goli, they would meet with a broker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who would accompany them to sell to Kampala-based dealers. One of the brokers told the Group that, until February 2018, he travelled to Kampala every two weeks with about 3 kilograms of gold (approximately $132,000) 20 per trip” (P: 22-23).
“The Group confirmed that, in Entebbe Airport, companies sell empty seats. As previously documented, empty seats are used by smugglers to transport gold concealed in hand luggage. Two individuals associated with the gold sector in Kampala, one Kampala-based gold broker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one migration officer stationed at the airport in Entebbe told the Group that, despite the official claim that minerals cannot leave the country without proper paperwork, gold smugglers continue to travel either without documentation or with forged documents. The migration officer and the broker told the Group that the owners of gold being trafficked do not travel themselves but use couriers who fly to Dubai to deliver the gold to buyers there. The two sources added that couriers can operate easily because they bribe customs and security officers at Entebbe airport” (…) “Two Ugandan nationals working for two airlines operating from Entebbe informed the Group that they are not requested to check gold in hand luggage. In the course of its current mandate, the Group held discussions with senior officials of eight airlines operating in and out of the Great Lakes region, who said that their primary role in checking passengers was to make sure no one was carrying anything that could jeopardize the security of the plane, a policy focusing almost entirely on weapons and explosives. The Group is of the view that gold transported on commercial aeroplanes should not be banned as it represents a key form of export for responsible artisanal and small-scale mining activity that observes the requisite due diligence guidelines. However, there is a need to address the loopholes related to the illegal transportation of gold carried in hand luggage on commercial aeroplanes” (P: 24, 2018).
Clearly, the illegal trade of gold should be looked into and be a worry for the international community, as the is funding militias and illegal activity within the DRC. This should not be overlooked, the clear indication of smuggling gold and also not registering the conflict minerals. Therefore, this is sophisticated and using all means to bribe lower level civil servants on both sides, to secure the trade of this can go-on. Both republic’s can do something about this, if they cared or had incentive to do so. However, they seem pretty fine and dandy with this activity. As the state and the close connected activity with the elites who are sponging the funds made from it.
That is why even President Museveni was there for the opening of the Gold Refinery in Entebbe. That shows that the Republic have no trouble with illegal smuggling of gold from the DRC. Peace.
Reference:
United Nations Security Council – ‘ Final report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo’ (04.06.2018).
“Yet, as our Baganda people say, “Omugo oguli ku murirano, tegugoba engo” ─ (the stick in your neighbour’s house cannot help you to fight off a leopard)” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the State of the Nation, 2018 (06.06.2018).
I have stopped after a years to look and breakdown the whole speech of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Because no one should waste that amount of time, unless your Don Wanyama, Tamale Mirundi or Andrew Mwenda. The rest of the random average Joe’s just shouldn’t waste our time with that. After 32 years, what new thing can he re-up and said, what sort of pledge haven’t he pulled out off his ass. Everything has been said, its just rewind of the previous years. There might something amazing, but you should doubt it.
That is why I will focus the passages on the growth to become a Middle-Income Country:
“I hear so many people talk about the attainment of the middle-income status by Uganda. The main problem here is, actually, the problem of Uganda importing too much and exporting little. The GDP per capita today is US$776. To become a middle income country, you need, at least, US$1,006 per capita. This money is calculated in Dollars. Too much importing and too little exporting undermines the progress to a middle-income status. Therefore, Ugandans, please, buy Ugandan; travel Ugandan; health-wise, be treated in Uganda. The government will facilitate its part as outlines in this speech. All I have said above is about the economy that is being developed to create wealth and jobs for the Ugandans as well as widening the tax base for the State of Uganda. At the same time, this bigger economy provides more goods and services for Uganda’s domestic consumption and for exports. Your NRM, always looking ahead, has already negotiated and arranged with our brother and sister Africans to ensure the market integration of Africa (EAC, COMESA, CFTA), so as to provide capacity for the absorption of the greater supply of goods and services produced by the Ugandans awakened to realize their potential as we also buy from our brothers and sisters in Africa, as we all take advantage of the huge collective market of Africa. Besides the huge continental market we are creating with our African brothers, the NRM always never missing in action when it comes to African issues, we have also negotiated for third party market access to the USA, EU, Chinese, Japanese and Indian markets, in varying degrees. Hence, ladies and gentlemen, the NRM has addressed or is addressing all the factors that are necessary to open the gates to the Ugandans engaged in wealth and jobs creation. Let everybody, then, play his or her own part” (Yoweri Museveni – State of the Nation, 2018, 06.06.3028).
The ironies are staggering as the economic policies, the industrial policies and agricultural outputs of the Republic is all in the hands of Museveni. If the NRM wanted to have trade surplus, they would have put in work and made sure the industries, the agricultural output and the end-product that they wanted to put into the world market. That is if the NRM had actually cared, because most policies seems to be short-term and for the short-con, not even the long-con. The projects and projections are for short term gains, not building things.
The specialized boards for the promotion of Ugandan produce and products has been lacking. Also maybe that they haven’t configured to the standards of the world-wide markets. That is why the coffee is sold as beans and not locally branded robusta. It is blended into random blends of foreign corporations instead of being locally grinded and packed ready for the big multi-national supermarket chains. Instead they are sold with least profits as the produce and not as the product. That is what is wrong with the ideas of Ugandan business. They have not thought of how to get value for the produce. This is all because the business is fixated on quick profits, but not going the extra mile.
That is because the NRM have no incentive to this or to try to do it. If they had incentive and any ideas of this. They would have figured it out and industrialized the agricultural output. Neither is put in the cash and the investment to build juice-factories as promised in Amuru, That has been promised for so long, as people are giving up in Katakwi District. This is the reality.
Therefore, listening to the President bitch about the lack of modernization and industrialization of the Republic. Is his fault, as he has put in the work and the ability to change the business models. That is because the way the state does with investors and designate cronyism. Where the businessmen have to political connected and make sure to grease the wheels to get it running.
It is a nice idea to get Ugandans to buy Ugandan products. But then you have to deliver good Ugandan products to fair price, also make sure it is competitive. There are lacking issues and basic need to make sure the possible produce could create added-value. Instead the quick profit and direct exports is the reason for lack of more currency. That would help the republic and make more money without to heavy investments, while using what they already produce plenty off.
While the state has to figure out if they want this, because this could help them to gain another monetary gain. But they doubt they will, because right now, it is the short-con and the quick-fix instead of actually building something for the future. Peace.
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws” – Plato
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cannot accept rejection, neither defeat, he never has. That is in his veins, he cannot accept being beaten, even when he used all the tricks in his book, paying out funds, using the police and military to intimidate. Still his party the National Resistance Movement (NRM) lost in the 31st May Rukungiri By-Election to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate for the Woman-MP seat.
What I have to say, is that Museveni always blames everyone else. If the taxes isn’t good enough or made with provision, which handle the reality of the day, it is either Uganda Revenue Authority fault of the Ministry of Planning, Finance and Economic Development (MoPFED). Because it couldn’t be his fault, it never is.
If the lack of organization between all security organizations is never his fault. It is not Museveni who has appointed and given the ISO, ESO, UPF and UPDF the mandates they have. No no, it is the generals who lacks their duty and the police officers whose not educated enough. Not that the state hasn’t sufficient protocol or budgets to actually do their jobs. That is another issue.
It is never Museveni’s fault when there is a new Cholera Outbreak or the health care system is failing. No no, that is the local government, who doesn’t have a dime to buy a cookie, but him in his private plane cannot be blamed. That the hospitals lacks equipment, medicine and even ability to pay their electricity bills. However, that is not to blame Museveni. No everything is fine and dandy, as long as his ministers in the Health Ministry can fly to India for treatment. Don’t blame Museveni, he hasn’t done anything wrong.
If the roads are full of potholes and you have to ride like a drunk on a straight road ahead. It isn’t Museveni’s fault. It is always Uganda National Roads Authority, Local Governments Councils and the developers whose tenders was given by the central government. The deals and arrangement is never Museveni’s fault, even when he allows the likes of Dott Services to continue their forgeries and mockery of road development.
It is never Museveni’s fault, when the education system is becoming a tragic stink. That he hasn’t invested in salaries, in the buildings or equipment to the students. Not able to secure lunch meals for the kids either. Teachers working to jobs, having gardens and boda-boda businesses on the side, as the teachers salaries are not paying enough on the low-level. But that is not your fault, because the State House, Office of Prime Minister and such is eating such a load of the yearly budget. Still, the Ministry of Education and lack of governance. Can only be the principals and others, but not you. No no.
So the list could go on. It is never Museveni’s fault, the Gods knows that. He is innocent, he is never guilty. Museveni is the Saint of Uganda, the greatest man ever to grace the hills and valleys of Uganda. No can ever be on the level of Museveni. He is the grandest king and his holiness, he is the one whose never done a fly anything. He cannot do mistakes.
Just like the pope in the Catholic Church has the teaching of Papal infallibility, where in general the pope cannot fail. It is a misconception, however, the idea is fitting. As Musveni are clearly never able to fall or do wrong. He got a gift like that, if it was so. Why isn’t the golden gates already popping by at the State House of Entebbe? Why isn’t Uganda industrialized and Modernized in the perfect vision of Museveni?
He has had 32 years to do it and still haven’t achieved it. Time to take the cross and carry it. Peace.
A historic day: Besigye could vote without being arrested afterwards!
There has been a contested Woman Member of Parliament Seat for the polls today in Rukungiri District. It has been like always in the recent years, massive sides of Military Police, Soldiers occuping the streets and also detaining plenty of Forum for Democratic Change leaders and activists. Because that is the Modus Operandi of Musevenism. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) lack of mission and tact comes to the forefront every time there is an election. Especially contested by elections like these.
That the FDC are under heavy weather is natural, as they are main opposition party and showing no remorse on the affect of that, as they have campaigned and camped in the district. Brought all the big-men and the ones that is significantly differs from the NRM. While the NRM has used over 10 billions and used loads of funds on SACCOs, NAADs and whatnot in the district. Not to talk about voter tourism and other ventures to gain popularity. The President also rallied behind their candidate. Therefore, the stakes are high, but is the payoff really worth all of this?
Is the assault on freedom, liberty and electioneering worth all of this for single Woman MP seat? Is that the message NRM is sending? They will come with an army like they were trying to both LRA and ADF-NALU, also coming with police whose job is to securing the polling stations, but instead arrests polling agents from FDC. Because what else could they be doing.
What is also significant about this election, is how there are little or no presence of media. The local media is clearly muffled with and silenced. NTV Uganda and NBS Television are sending other shows, that actually following the By-Election. Just think about that for minute… another minute and no someone ordered that. Just like they did on Age Limit. Silence and shut up. They are censoring themselves from being on the ground and pounding on the locals. To see what is really up.
We shouldn’t be surprised if the Electoral Commission and the rigging is in high gear. Since the Police and Military was there securing their efforts. They are afraid that the bribes and use of intimidation wasn’t enough to get the NRM Candidate into office. The NRM couldn’t win a fair fight, they have to rig to win. We have seen that since they had to use the state machinery and the handshakes to local community projects to ghosts.
All DR Forms have been delivered and the FDC has the copies. But the EC is awaiting to able to release the real numbers. Seemingly as they could be cooking. That is well-known, they have tried this before, even as the reasonable outcome would be slim victory of the FDC candidate. But the NRM doesn’t want to lose after bribing and usage of the army.
There also been reports of jamming of the phone-line and trouble with mobile data, meaning they are trying to make a black-out locally in Rukungiri District. That wouldn’t be new from the NRM, but the long delays of results and official numbers. Shows that the EC is cooking the books and trying to forge something, that with the media silence isn’t a strong suit. More weakness and intimidation.
All indications and the real numbers are swayed in for the FDC. But if the state rigs, than the NRM wins. They have used a fortune and put a lot into play. So it would be humiliating to lose. That means even the machinery isn’t enough to beat the supposed MP.
We have to wait for the official result. But be aware, they could be cooked. All provision results during the aftermath of the polls was in favor of the FDC candidate, so if it changes significantly, expect some ghosts and some polling stations now one knew existed before the election came into affect. Peace.
“The Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is a non-financing tool open to all members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It enables them to signal commitment to reforms and catalyze financing from other sources. The establishment of the PCI is part of the Fund’s broader effort to strengthen the global financial safety net—a network of insurance and loan instruments that countries can draw on if confronted with a crisis.” (International Monetary Funds – ‘IMF Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) 26.07.2017).
This here is really spelling out the missing dots in the budget and monetary policy wise, as the IMF has concluded a visit, but told that certain aspects are missing. Even explaining that the Republic have to be careful about borrowing money. As the Republic tend to do these days for all sorts of projects and building infrastructure all around the country. However, the IMF isn’t praising Uganda, the IMF is telling what it needs, if they want to be part of the PCI. That is important, because being part of that, then the state will have systems and ways to gain outside sources of funding and also safety mechanisms in the needs of rainy days. Therefore, following this program would be healthy for the economy, but will the National Resistance Movement and President Museveni comply to this? Would they?
“The authorities have made progress in setting economic policy objectives for FY18/19 and the medium-term. Fiscal policy seeks to keep public debt at a sustainable level which requires raising tax collection and prioritizing spending needs, while protecting key infrastructure projects and social expenditures. Monetary policy targets core inflation of 5 percent. Bank of Uganda aims to maintain international reserves at 4 to 4½ months of imports. Structural reforms would focus on revenue mobilization, public financial and investment management, reducing domestic arrears, enhancing financial sector stability and development, and putting in place the remaining elements of the framework for managing future oil revenues. The mission reached agreement on many key elements of a possible 3-year program under the Policy Coordination Instrument, but further progress in some areas is still needed. Once the FY18/19 budget has been approved as agreed, the mission could resume discussions” (International Monetary Funds – ‘International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Concludes Visit to Uganda’ 31.05.2018).
It isn’t the first time the IMF and World Bank says there policies and monetary programs needs changes, needs to be amended and fixed, so it is safer. This is something that always comes back. The NRM are clearly not listening or interested in listening. They are pre-occupied with the handshakes of the State House and the insider trading that they like to do. Not have accountability and transparency, because then all the tools of the shed is in the open. President Museveni doesn’t want his ghosts, his fake projects and his forged paperwork to be in the open. That would hurt his pride and also humiliate him. That is the reality of it all.
Therefore, the state has a long walk ahead still, even with the new revenue sources, as they are not considering the implications yet on the public. Just more revenue for revenues sake, but not how hard the new taxes really will have. They will hurt the public and the poorest the most. Nevertheless, they are not a concern for the state; they are more bargain chips for needed donor funds anyway.
President Museveni will not be interested in opening the books and showing the reality. We know that, therefore the PCI will not introduced shortly, neither will the accountability or transparency change either. It is not in his interest to revolutionize that. Then he would humiliate himself, which he only does to Opposition leaders, not to himself. Peace.
Abed is hungry, very hungry, his plate is empty; therefore he seeks relevance in the misty world of cronies and opportunists. Abed Bwanika, the People’s Development Party (PDP) leader and long-time running President Candidate is seeking to become relevant again. He has been missing the spotlight and being in the window of opportunity since the Campaigns and General Election of 2016. He is now defending the Kiggundu math-class and the cooking of the numbers of the Electoral Commission. He is accepting the assault on the freedoms of the people, the blockade of internet and social-media, even transfer of mobile money, the police detaining and charging opposition politicians like they we’re the mob. That is what Bwanika this week is accepting.
Therefore, you know he does it seek relevance, because he knows he will fall into oblivion, into a misty fog of grey goose and sluts. He will not be anyone of concern anymore, he is now a nobody, who at some point ran for Presidency, but is now just a common citizen, which is the reality that Bwanika cannot stomach. Beecause Bwanika want to be someone and cannot figure out how to be that. That is why he is defending the General Election of 2016. Even if he knows he is losing. That is what Bwanika is doing, he defending his loss and trying to capture the losses. So he can get a win out of nothing.
It is ironic speaking about the love of the Republic, rule of law and democracy, when he is defending voter rigging, police brutality, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions of opposition politicians. Maybe if he spent as much time under house-arrest as Besigye or behind bars like FDC Activists, he would have seen the world a bit differently. However, the ignorance of Bwanika is clear. It is open and he is putting salt in the wounds.
That is because he wants to eat, he wants to have plenty, and he has seen how Beti Kamya and the likes are eating, and enjoying life under the wings of the President. He want to be covered like them. Not walking in the wilderness without any cover. Bwanika needs his guiding star and wants his envelopes too.
So with in mind, I don’t blame him, he wants to eat and there is not so many ways to do it. Unless, he wants put in work or give the president a handshake to run a market in Kampala. Bwanika wants to be head honcho, but knows that has to be in accordance with the President. That is why he has suddenly moved in this way. He knows that and we who follows the politics of the lands knows that.
It is not like I want to jinx it, but if he would get appointed to some random outpost or mere lack of importance within the administration. He would take it and kiss the ring. Because he want to get paid without any accountability. Bwanika wants relevance; he wants to be in the spotlight and properly paid!
That is why he is suddenly defending the General Election of 2016, even when he deep in his heart. He knows he is wrong. Because he is hungry and wants eat, he is tired of beans; he wants meat and a decent salary. Peace.
It is hard to see any significant change of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, as the law of 1994 is planned to be repealed, as the Cabinet accepted a new bill yesterday at the State House. Let me explain, It would seem more reasonable, if someone leaked the text of the law, but the short tide bottlenecks of information leaked. That information is showing, that it is more of the same. Just some new buzz-words, to keep the donors buzzing.
Since the UCDA are already in charge of monitoring, pricing and promoting coffee, both internally and externally. They are supposed to help raise the quality of the coffee and educate farmers, both in production of better coffee, but also raise the yields for the cash-crop. The UCDA is rally a state organized body in both education, trade and promoting of coffee. Where all parts of the transaction from the seedlings to the trade of the ready beans has been in connection with the government body.
That is why the Cabinet decision that is released to the public, the one page dossier, as the law and the new provisions aren’t out, but if these footnotes are the realization of the changes from 1994 to become the new law in 2018. There are really just putting in the word sustainable and harmonize the roles of all the roles. Which is fancy lingo, for making sure everyone along the line is taxed and made sure they pay for the government services. Since they are already having the mandate by the law of 1994.
As sub-section 4 in the UCDA Act of 1994 states:
“The functions of the authority shall be— to issue certificates in respect of the grade and quantity of coffee; to register in accordance with guidelines issued by the Minister, from time to time, on the advice of the board, all organisations and bodies applying to market coffee; to liaise with the Bank of Uganda in respect of repatriation of foreign exchange obtained from the sale of coffee; to set the quality control standards under which coffee is sold; to certify all coffee exports; to collect, maintain and disseminate statistical data in respect of all aspects of the coffee industry; to advise the Government on the mechanism for determining the minimum price for the sale of coffee; (h) to monitor world market price changes and adjust the minimum price on a day-to-day basis to reflect the changes; (i) to research and make extension arrangements through the Ministry responsible for agriculture or any other organisation established in the country for the purpose; (j) to reconcile coffee subsector policies with the macroeconomic policies of the Government; (k) to liaise with the International Coffee Organisation and be responsible for the administration of the stamps of the organisation; (l) to liaise with other international organisations and promote Uganda’s coffee on the world market; (m) to be responsible for the overall supervision of the coffee subsector, including related industries, and advise the Government on coffee subsector policies; (n) to organise training for technicians, coffee processors and quality controllers” (CHAPTER 325 THE UGANDA COFFEE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT, 1994).
So when I read from the spreadsheet from the Cabinet meeting at the State House, where the gist is to replace the 325, because they want to development of competitive, equitable and sustainable coffee, promote Coffee research, good Coffee farming practices, domestic coffee consumption and add value to the Coffee. Also, provide the Authority regulate all on-farm and off-farm activities in the Coffee Value Chain, streamline and harmonize the institution in the development of the Coffee Sector and to promote the Coffee sub-sector.
As what I see, the UCDA Act of 1994, not only hold the grabbing hands on all of this, but the mandate of the Authority is already, just not managed well, apparently. If the state cared about the Authority, they wouldn’t lack needed staff, as the Auditor General Report of December 2016, said the staff had 29 open positions, I don’t know if its as bad today, but wouldn’t be shocked if there was openings that the UCDA couldn’t fill, because of lack of funds.
What is striking to me, is that what the Cabinet Meeting of 21st May 2018, is what is in the statute of 1994. It just using a few different words, but if they cared about the UCDA, they would fund it properly and also actually have proper oversight of the operations. As the UCDA has often given away bad seedlings to Coffee farmers, in the same fashion as the Operation Wealth Creations has to its SACCO’s around the Republic. Like the Auditor General report of December 2016 says: “ Failure to plant and maintain coffee seedlings that were distributed and received by the farmers is wastage of Government Funds and eventually leads to failure to achieve planned coffee outputs at national level. Further, beneficiary lists withfarmers that never received inputs may be an indicator of irregular dealings on the part of seedling suppliers” (AG Report on UCDA December 2016, P: 19).
Therefore, the changing of words within the law is not fixing the remedy of the goodwill to generate more coffee and better yields. It is actually giving the king, what the king needs. That is not more fancy lingo, but actually actions and funds, also accountability, so that the farmers and the other part of the coffee production chain. Can all benefit from the Authority. On December 2017, the MoFPED delivered the National Budget Framework, which said this: “Continued implementation of the Coffee 2020 road map aimed at achieving 20million bags of 60Kg each per annum, including supporting research interventions at the National Agricultural Coffee Research Institute (NACORI) to produce high yielding coffee varieties and disease resistant tissue culture plants for coffee as well as development of a National Coffee Bill, 2017 that focuses on developing the entire coffee value chain and enable the country consolidate its dominant position in export earnings and employment” (MoFPED, P: 18, December 2017).
Therefore, the Cabinet meeting has initially decided to follow the guidelines of the National Budget Framework, as it was in December 2017. That is not surprising, but what is weird is the wording and how little change it is from the original law, that they are repealing. Unless, they have some magical formula sprinkled over it, making it a beautiful cake, instead of a boring bun with a little whipped cream. Because that is what it seems.
If you read the objectives of 1994, it doesn’t seem so far away from 2018, does it?
“The objectives of the authority shall be— to promote, improve and monitor marketing of coffee with a view to optimising foreign exchange earnings and payments to the farmers; to control the quality of coffee in order to ensure that all coffee exported meets the standards stipulated by the contract between the seller and the buyer; to monitor the price of coffee in order to ensure that no export contract for the sale of coffee is concluded at a price below the minimum price; to develop and promote the coffee and other related industries through research and extension arrangements; to promote the marketing of coffee as a final product; (f) to promote domestic consumption of coffee” (UCDA Act of 1994).
That seems a lot like the spreadsheet of the Cabinet from yesterday, right?
Its only the value chain and add value on the coffee that is very new, but the rest more of the same. I am baffled or even shocked by this. It is like the Cabinet haven’t read the old bill or cared about the provisions there and thought. Maybe we should have better oversight of the Authority, instead they are changing wording and thinking that is magic wand to change the current predicament. If they wanted real change, they would have reformed the organization internally and used the provisions already there. But it is easier to make a leaflet, than change people’s mind and allocate funds.
Good morning and smell the coffee, well, I smell it, but more of the same. Just attached “sustainable” on the package, but taste is the same as yesterday. Peace.
The Spreadsheet of the aka National Coffee Bill of 2018!