By Emma Bwayo
MBALE
Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has cautioned farmers against the habit of electing leaders who do not own or grow coffee in their respective societies.
BCU Treasurer, Nathan Mabonga, urged farmers to elect leaders who are active coffee farmers to help boost patronage and attract more services from the Union.
Mabonga made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by farmers over the lack of representation at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), during a zonal meeting held on Friday, 28TH March, 2025 at Nyondo PTC Main Hall in the Lower Central Zone.
Mabonga questioned how a Growers’ Cooperative Society (GCS) with over 11 committee members could fail to deliver even 10 kilograms of coffee to the union. He noted that many farmers are influenced to vote for individuals who do not own coffee gardens, only to later complain about the lack of services from the union.
He stressed that access to union services is strictly based on patronage. For a member to qualify for a bursary, they must have delivered at least 300 kgs kilograms of coffee to the union. Similarly, for a society to qualify for AGM participation, it must have delivered 2500 KGs.
“There is no compromise or shortcut. It is coffee that binds us under the cooperative spirit,” Mabonga emphasized.
Joseph Wandera, a farmer, noted that multinational companies offer more attractive incentives, which undermines the union’s efforts. He urged BCU management and the board to adopt innovative strategies, including increased community engagement, farmer training, and provision of small allowances to society leaders.
BCU Manager, Barbra Wasagali, reminded farmers that the primary role of society leaders is to mobilise coffee for the union. She added that zonal meetings are ongoing in preparation for the AGM, set for April 4th at the union headquarters, and stressed that only societies that meet the patronage requirements will be invited.
