Local Government Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has announced a breakthrough in the coffee seedlings fight that placed State Minister for Local Government Hon. Justine Nameere under intense public scrutiny.
The development follows a mediation meeting held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Resident District Commissioner’s office in Masaka, where Balaam met with Nameere, coffee supplier Nanyange Cissy, and other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
Following the meeting, Balaam revealed that President Yoweri Museveni, through State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, had directed that the outstanding payments be settled.
“The issue raised by the coffee seedling suppliers in Masaka has been resolved. His Excellency the President, through the State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, will ensure that the suppliers are paid fully tomorrow morning,” Balaam said.
Balaam also sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the dispute, stating that investigations showed Hon. Justine Nameere was not the contracting party responsible for engaging the coffee seedling suppliers.
According to the minister, the contract to supply the seedlings had been awarded to Chairman Bulegeya of Masaka, while Nameere merely witnessed the arrangement.
He added that the public controversy appeared to have been fueled by political differences and the pressure faced by the affected suppliers.
“The contract to supply the coffee seedlings was awarded to Chairman Bulegeya of Masaka. Hon. Justine Nameere only witnessed the arrangement and was not a contracting party to the suppliers, contrary to the allegations made by the lady yesterday,” Balaam explained.
The dispute gained national attention after coffee farmer Nanyange Cissy publicly confronted Minister Nameere during the launch of the “Expose the Corrupt” campaign in Nyendo, Masaka City.
Cissy alleged that coffee seedlings worth more than UGX 150 million supplied during the 2026 election campaigns had not been paid for. Nameere denied responsibility and challenged the claims, leading to a heated exchange that quickly went viral on social media.
The issue raised by the coffee seedling suppliers in Masaka has been resolved. His Excellency the President @KagutaMuseveni , through the State House Comptroller @JaneBarekye , will ensure that the suppliers are paid fully tomorrow morning.
I also wish to inform the nation that… pic.twitter.com/N6Z5DDMHw3
— Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi. (@BalaamBarugahar) July 28, 2026
