By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has written to government requesting for 120 million US dollars to procure a coffee processing machine for value addition.
An insulable (or more accurately, a soluble/instant coffee processing machine) is a specialized industrial unit designed to produce instant coffee by extracting, concentrating, and drying coffee extract into powder or granules. These machines, such as Flottweg centrifuges, remove insoluble solids, enhancing solubility and quality.
This was revealed by Nathan Nandala Mafabi, BCU chairperson and Bududiri West MP while speaking to hundreds of BCU delegates today Monday, 30th March, 2026 during the annual general meeting held at BCU head office located at Doho industrial City division saying BCU has plans to acquire a coffee processing machine.
The machine will enable farmers to export processed coffee, thereby boosting their incomes.
Nandala also urged police to vacate posts occupying primary societies, saying farmers need the space to store coffee before delivery to BCU stores.
John Musila, Vice Chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union and MP for Bubulo East, suggests installing coffee processing machines at BCU would enable farmers from the eastern region to add value to their produce.
He notes that BCU exports over 5 million tons of coffee annually, and the machines would boost exports.
Isaiah Sasaga, Director of Sironko Valley Zone and MP for Budadiri East, says BCU plans to renovate primary societies in poor condition and remove police posts, aiming to improve services for farmers. He suggests that removing police posts from primary societies and renovating them could increase coffee supply to BCU from farmers.
Sasaga notes that some farmers have been deterred from selling coffee to the union due to the condition of the societies. Meanwhile, Mbale RDC, Stanley Bayole has urged Bugisu farmers to sell their coffee to BCU.
