Bugisu Cooperative Union to renovate primary societies across nine zones

Manafwa, Uganda:- The Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has unveiled plans to renovate and enhance its affiliated 314 primary societies across all nine zones in the Bugisu subregion.

The announcement was made by John Musila, the Union’s Vice Chairman and MP for Bubulo East, during a zonal meeting held at Chebukube Guesthouse in Lwakhakha, Manafwa District on Sunday afternoon.

According to Musila, the union plans to renovate at least two primary societies per zone starting next financial year, with the number potentially increasing based on the volume of coffee delivered to the union. The renovations will be financed through profits generated from coffee sales.

“We are committed to improving the facilities of our affiliated societies. Renovations will be prioritized for those societies that are fully patronized. The more coffee delivered to the union, the greater the benefits members will enjoy,” Musila stated.

He also urged farmers to entrust their coffee to BCU to access enhanced services and more benefits. However, he warned sub-counties and police units currently using union properties to begin seeking alternative arrangements.

While welcoming the initiative, Wanzusi Robert, a coffee farmer, called on BCU to develop strategies to counter competition from multinational companies offering better prices and farm inputs. He also urged delegates to reconsider the law on patronage, which restricts some societies from attending annual meetings.

Wasagali Barbra, the General Manager of BCU, acknowledged the concerns and assured stakeholders that they would be addressed during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for April 4, 2025, at the factory headquarters.

Wasagali emphasized that delegates will also discuss and adopt a budget to operationalize the renovation initiatives during the highly anticipated AGM.