FDC wants community fire-fighting stations, caution on UCDA merger

___________________

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has urged the Government to establish community fire-fighting stations across the country.

This demand comes in the wake of the devastating Kigoogwa fire tragedy on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, on the Kampala-Gulu Highway in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso district, claiming so far 26 lives.

Remains of the fuel tanker after the fire was snuffed out. (New Vision/File/Wasswa Ssentongo)

Calling for thorough investigations into the cause of fuel tanker explosion during a media briefing at the party headquarters at Najjanankumbi in Kampala city, the FDC advocated for improved disaster preparedness and emergency response measures including decentralising fire brigade units to enhance accessibility and reduced response times.  

“The Government needs to address systemic issues regarding disaster management. Decentralising fire brigade units to sub-districts (constituencies) nearer to the people can easily enhance emergency response and accessibility,” Walid Lubega Mulindwa, the FDC deputy secretary for publicity in charge of publications, said.

This move, Mulindwa said, would ensure that fire services are more localised reducing poor timely responses whenever catastrophes hit.

“We believe fire stations closer to communities can respond swiftly to emergencies, saving lives and property in time.”

The incident left the local community counting losses after shops and merchandise were destroyed in a blaze that claimed four houses.  

UDCA –MAAIF merger disastrous

The controversial Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) merger with the agriculture ministry (MAAIF), has left FDC fuming over what it termed as a disastrous move to cripple crop farmers in the country.

"Whereas FDC supports rationalisation but in a case-by-case manner where we believe that creative essential government agencies and entities should be retained and consumptive agencies and entities merged with their mother ministries," he suggested.

Walid Lubega Mulindwa, the deputy secretary publicity in charge of publications and documentation speaking at the conference in Najjanankumbi. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“We are strongly opposed to the unrealistic government concerted efforts of rationalisation of the UCDA back to the Ministry of Agriculture which we believe if it is successfully done will reduce UCDA to a mere desk under MAAIF,” Mulindwa observed.

He opposed the merger, citing concerns about compromising UCDA's autonomy and expertise, which, according to him, has led to significant growth in Uganda's coffee industry.

“The ministry's track record of mismanaging key sectors, such as the fishing industry and animal husbandry, raises concerns about its competence. MAAIF had never procured the foot and mouth disease vaccines since last year even after the Parliament allocated over sh668.6b in the financial year 2023/24.,” he warned.

The amount was intended to cover the procurement of 88 million doses that were needed for bi-annual vaccination exercise with each dose costing sh7,000.

As Parliament proceeds with the Bill's second reading, the FDC urges consideration of key coffee stakeholders' concerns and maintenance of the status quo.

Last week, the Parliament had a dramatic first reading of the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) Bill to merge UCDA with MAAIF where Lira District Woman MP and Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture Linda Auma presented the majority report to the house presided over by Speaker Annet Anita Among.

Speaker Annet Anita Among having a moment with Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi in a recent parliamentary session. (New Vision/File/Maria Wamala)

The majority report recommended merging UCDA with MAAIF. However, Asinansi Nyakato, the Hoima City Woman MP, countered it with a minority report, opposing the merger where MPs after an intense debate, voted 159 in favour of the Bill and 77 against the Bill leading the Bill to its second reading before Among adjourned.

The country’s coffee industry has seen significant growth, with coffee exports reaching a record-breaking $1.14b in 2023/24, the highest value in 30 years.

This achievement is attributed to effective regulation by the UCDA, which has improved coffee quality and earned farmers the highest prices in 30 years (currently, a kilogramme of coffee beans costs between sh13,000 and 14,000)

Uganda’s coffee is particularly prized for its distinctive flavor profile, which is showcased at international coffee expos. The country’s coffee roasters are also committed to championing value addition and industry growth, with the Uganda Coffee Roasters Association (UCRA) working to promote domestic coffee consumption and increase Uganda’s market share of roasted coffee.