BCU Seeks US$120M Gov’t Support for Coffee Value Addition

Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has written to the government requesting 120 million US dollars (about 483 billion shillings) to procure a modern coffee processing machine aimed at boosting value addition and increasing farmers’ incomes. The request was revealed on Monday by the union chairperson, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who is also the Budadiri West legislator, while addressing hundreds of delegates at the union’s annual general meeting held at the BCU head offices in Doho, Mbale City Industrial Division, Mbale. “The machine will enable farmers to export processed coffee, boosting their income,” Mafabi said.

He emphasized that value addition remains central to the union’s long-term strategy, adding that the union has formally written to the government to support the acquisition of plant and equipment aimed at increasing farmers’ earnings. On farmer welfare, Mafabi said the union is preparing a second payment for farmers who delivered coffee during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons, demonstrating continued commitment to members.

He also highlighted the union’s investment in education, revealing that “the union offered bursaries and fully paid tuition for 231 students in various higher institutions of learning across Uganda.” Mafabi further pointed to institutional gains, noting that “the union successfully won a court case over the Eden Road land and house, securing ownership of the property,” and that BCU “has acquired freehold land titles for most of its properties, converting them from leasehold to strengthen long-term security of assets.”

On infrastructure, he said “the union has taken over the completion of Musundi House,” while also announcing that Musudi Hotel is nearing completion, a key investment expected to boost revenue and sustainability. The board, he added, has resolved to reward performance among member societies, with incentives going to those that delivered up to 2,500 kilograms of coffee, as well as recognizing the two best-performing societies overall.

Mafabi also called for operational reforms, urging security agencies to vacate cooperative facilities. “Farmers need the space to store coffee before delivery to BCU stores,” he said. He thanked Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, and District Police Commanders for attending the AGM, noting that their presence reflects strong government support for the union. He also called on leaders to mobilize more farmers to actively engage in coffee production, stressing that increased participation will strengthen the union.

Mafabi expressed optimism about the future, urging members “to expect more achievements this year, especially in value addition,” which he said remains crucial in improving livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Vice Chairperson of BCU and Member of Parliament for Bubulo East, John Musila, said installing coffee processing machines at the union would enable farmers across the eastern region to add value to their produce. He noted that “BCU exports over 5 million kilograms of coffee annually, and the machines would boost exports.”

The Director of Sironko Valley Zone and Budadiri East MP, Isaiah Sasaga, said the union plans to improve primary societies to enhance service delivery.“Removing police posts from primary societies and renovating them could increase coffee supply to BCU from farmers,” Sasaga said. He added that “some farmers have been deterred from selling coffee to the union due to the condition of the societies.” The Mbale Resident District Commissioner, Stanley Bayole, urged farmers in the Bugisu sub-region to sell their coffee through BCU, describing the union as a key driver of local economic growth.