Public Awareness and Perceptions of the Coffee Bill 2024

In December 2024, Exquisite Solutions Limited, a leading BPO company renowned for its social and policy research, conducted an extensive survey to gauge the public's knowledge and perceptions regarding the newly enacted Coffee Bill 2024. The bill, which dissolved the Coffee Development Authority and transferred its functions to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), had sparked significant public and political debate upon its passing.

The survey involved 7,200 respondents—men and women—from 12 districts across Uganda. With a commendable 70% response rate, the research provides a comprehensive snapshot of public opinion on the bill and its potential implications for Uganda's coffee industry.

Key Findings

1. Awareness of the Coffee Bill

The survey revealed a significant awareness gap:

• 93% of respondents were unaware of the Coffee Bill's purpose.

• Only 7% demonstrated some understanding of the bill's content or objectives.

Regional Insights:

• Knowledge of the Coffee Bill was uniformly low across regions, with slight variations:

This highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns, especially in regions where coffee farming plays a pivotal role in the local economy.

2. Perceived Purpose of the Bill

Among those with some knowledge of the bill, there were varied interpretations of its intent. Common perceptions included:

• Government involvement in coffee pricing and sales.

• Monitoring and regulation of coffee farming activities.

• Creating opportunities for farmers and improving agricultural productivity.

These responses underscore the mixed understanding and speculation surrounding the bill’s objectives, further emphasizing the need for clear communication from policymakers.

3. Impact on the Coffee Ecosystem

Respondents were divided on whether the Coffee Bill would bring significant changes to the coffee ecosystem, including farming practices, industry dynamics, and stakeholder interactions:

• A majority (43%) in the central region believed there would be no substantial change.

• Opinions varied across other regions, with many expressing uncertainty about the bill's practical implications.

4. Willingness to Continue or Begin Coffee Farming

The survey also explored the intent of farmers and potential farmers regarding coffee cultivation:

• Among current farmers aware of the bill, 63% expressed a desire to continue growing coffee, despite uncertainties.

• However, 66% of non-farmers indicated no interest in starting coffee farming, highlighting potential challenges in expanding the sector.

Conclusion

The findings paint a clear picture of a population largely unaware of the Coffee Bill 2024 and its intended outcomes. Despite the uproar surrounding the bill’s passage, the survey suggests that much of the public discourse has been driven by political commentary rather than grassroots understanding.

This lack of awareness presents an opportunity for stakeholders—government agencies, farmer organizations, and the private sector—to initiate educational campaigns aimed at demystifying the bill. Such efforts can empower farmers and the broader public to make informed decisions about their role in the coffee industry, ultimately driving sustainable growth.

As Uganda continues to position itself as a global coffee powerhouse, bridging the knowledge gap on policies like the Coffee Bill 2024 is critical. Collaboration between policymakers, industry players, and research organizations will be essential in ensuring the bill achieves its intended goals while addressing public concerns and fostering trust.