Speaker of Parliament Orders Independent Probe into Shs9.6 Billion OPM Coffee Promotion Expenditure

By Kundu Ronald

Kampala, Uganda - The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has taken a decisive step in addressing concerns over the allocation and utilization of Shs9.6 billion by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for coffee promotion initiatives in Uganda. Amidst growing criticism and revelations of questionable spending, Among has called for an independent probe into the matter, raising concerns about the possibility of wasteful expenditure affecting future government programs.

The controversy centers on the OPM's decision to award a Shs9.6 billion contract to Inspire Africa (U) Ltd, with the aim of advancing and encouraging coffee consumption nationwide. Of the allocated funds, Shs3.8 billion was allocated to train young individuals in coffee production, Shs1.9 billion for coffee consumption promotion and the establishment of coffee shops, Shs2.6 billion for capacity building, and Shs1.2 billion for administrative purposes.

However, an Auditor General's report has cast a shadow over the initiative, revealing discrepancies between the intended goals and the actual outcomes. The report indicates that, apart from Gulu, the proposed coffee shops in Arua, Mbale, Lira, and Tororo either do not exist or are not operational as originally intended.

The revelation has sparked outrage among Members of Parliament, leading to a collective call for a thorough investigation into the matter. Speaker Among expressed her concern over the allocation of funds, labeling the expenditure on "coffee consumption" as questionable. She emphasized the need for an independent inquiry into the matter, asserting that accountability should be upheld, or the government may find itself requesting funds to teach Ugandans 'how to use condoms.'

The chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Medard Sseggona, reported that the committee's findings corroborated the Auditor General's conclusions. He highlighted the unnecessary nature of the expenses incurred and the absence of the coffee kiosks.

Mathias Mpuuga, leader of the opposition, urged fellow MPs to exercise stricter oversight over social action programs to prevent subpar outcomes for beneficiaries. He critiqued the current focus on promoting coffee consumption before enhancing production, emphasizing the importance of supporting communities in coffee cultivation.

Rukia Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, defended the project's objectives, arguing that the initiative aimed to popularize coffee intake rather than teach people how to drink coffee. She suggested that the project's nomenclature had been misunderstood.

As the probe into the Shs9.6 billion coffee promotion expenditure begins, it is clear that the controversy has raised important questions about transparency, accountability, and the effective use of public funds in Uganda's government programs. Speaker Among's call for an independent investigation reflects the government's commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring responsible financial stewardship.