By Emma Bwayo
MBALE
Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has launched a plan to renovate and enhance its affiliated primary societies across all nine zones.
The announcement was made by John Musila, the Union’s Vice Chairman, during the Lwakhakha zonal meeting at Chebukube Guesthouse on Sunday afternoon, 30th March, 2025.
Musila, who is also the MP for Bubulo East, informed delegates that management intends to renovate at least two primary societies per zone starting next financial year.
He added that the number could increase depending on the volume of coffee delivered to the union. The renovations will be funded from profits generated through coffee sales. He encouraged farmers to entrust their coffee to the union in order to access services and enjoy more benefits.
Musila also emphasized that priority will be given to fully patronized societies. Additionally, he cautioned sub-counties and police units currently using union properties to start seeking alternative arrangements.
Wanzusi Robert, a coffee farmer, welcomed the initiative but urged the union to develop strategies to counter competition from multinational companies, which continue to offer better prices and farm inputs. He also called on delegates to reconsider the law on patronage, which currently prevents some societies from attending annual meetings.
Wasagali Barbra, the General Manager of BCU, stated that all concerns will be addressed during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for April 4, 2025, at the factory headquarters. She noted that delegates will discuss and adopt a budget to operationalize these initiatives.
Bugisu Cooperative Union operates across nine zones with 314 primary societies in Bugisu
