By Emmah M Bwayo
The Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) stands out as a model for managing Uganda’s coffee sector. Under the leadership of Hon. Nandala Mafabi, BCU has transformed coffee farming in the Elgon region, enhancing quality, returns, and creating value-added products for coffee farmers.
This track record demonstrates that a cooperative model could be the key to revitalizing Uganda’s coffee sector, aligning with Uganda’s history of cooperative-led agricultural growth since the 1960s. Established under the 1955 Bugisu Coffee Ordinance, BCU has been entrusted with marketing functions and major assets, representing nearly one million coffee farmers.
The cooperative is structured for accountability and democracy, with 299 member societies electing delegates and a board that oversees operations. BCU operates in adherence to both national and international cooperative principles, positioning it as a reliable leader in the sector. BCU’s local impact is undeniable. In Bugisu, BCU has set competitive coffee prices, opened markets, and shared profits with farmers.
Over the past three years alone, BCU has enabled 15,000 students to complete their tertiary education, purchased BCU Radio 102.6 to support farmer mobilization, and established itself as the largest landowner in Bugisu.
These achievements demonstrate BCU’s potential to handle the coffee sector at a national level, ensuring fair benefits for all Ugandan farmers. The case for entrusting BCU with Uganda’s coffee sector is strong. Empowering a cooperative like BCU could ensure transparent operations, fair farmer compensation, and a sustainable, farmer-driven industry.
In partnership with the government, BCU could serve as the engine that propels Uganda’s coffee sector forward, delivering lasting benefits for generations to come. With the rationalization of UCDA under the Ministry of Agriculture, BCU emerges as the clear choice to lead Uganda’s coffee sector to new heights.
While UCDA achieved much, its lapses allowed numerous competitors, often led by current and former UCDA staff to undermine BCU’s market share, creating hurdles for the cooperative.
As UCDA’s chapter closes, BCU stands ready to take up the mantle. With its strong foundation, proven impact, and trusted model, BCU has the potential to drive a unified, farmer-centered coffee industry for Uganda’s future.
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