Soya cooperative expands partnerships to boost production in Bunyoro
MASINDI, February 19, 2026 — Members of the Soybean Farmers’ Cooperative Society of Uganda Limited [SOFACU] in the Bunyoro Sub-region have expressed renewed optimism following the entry of new partners aimed at strengthening soya bean cultivation in the area.
Speaking at a review and refocus meeting held last Friday at the Education Hall in Masindi Municipality, Solomon Karuhanga, Executive Director of ENCOT Foundation and founding promoter of the cooperative, announced a raft of strategic partnerships to support farmers.
The new partners will provide improved soybean seed, storage facilities, access to ready markets, insurance services and essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers.
Key partners include Mount Meru Millers, Agro Insurance Consortium, Soybean Africa–Makerere University, Masindi District Local Government, Masindi Municipal Council and Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. The latter institutions are expected to support mobilisation efforts to encourage greater uptake of soya bean farming across the region.
“We are building a coordinated ecosystem approach that brings together value chain actors to work through SOFACU, thereby eliminating middlemen who have long exploited farmers,” Karuhanga said.
“Our role at ENCOT Foundation is to activate, empower and accelerate. We are also training farmers in best agronomic practices. Since SOFACU’s inception, we have recorded significant progress. Last season, we produced 300 metric tonnes, all of which were successfully marketed,” he added.
SOFACU Chairperson Peter Kadodoba Isingoma welcomed the new partnerships, noting that they would enhance production and attract more farmers to soya bean cultivation.
“Last season, SOFACU mobilised 256 soybean farmers, including women and young people. Of these, 83 actively engaged in production, cultivating a total of 378 acres across Masindi, Hoima and Kiryandongo,” he said. “Our target this season is to reach 500 farmers.”
He urged members to work collectively in order to avoid exploitation and to address shared challenges more effectively.
The cooperative was formally established last year by soybean farmers from Masindi, Hoima and Kiryandongo to strengthen their bargaining power, improve access to markets and enhance household incomes.
“Our objective is to unite all soybean farmers in the region, empower them economically and ensure access to better markets,” Kadodoba said during the inauguration of SOFACU’s leadership.
“I am committed to organising and mobilising our farmers, but success depends on the support and active participation of all members,” he added.
At a meeting held towards the end of last year, Treasurer Michael Anima presented the cooperative’s initial six-month work plan. The plan included training on post-planting management, harvest preparation, value chain development and market readiness.
It also outlined an ambitious recruitment drive targeting more than 120 new members from eight districts across the Bunyoro Sub-region. Members unanimously approved a budget of Shs 52 million to implement the programme.
SOFACU receives technical and financial support from the Masindi-based ENCOT Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Strengthening collective action
The formation of SOFACU followed the launch of a soybean farmers’ association in June last year, officiated by Patrick Asiimwe, Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Masindi. The event marked the start of a broader drive to promote farmer cooperation and collective marketing.
The cooperative’s primary aim is to provide farmers with a unified voice, improve access to finance and agricultural inputs, and facilitate bulk marketing of produce.
According to Karuhanga, soya remains a high-value crop with strong market demand. He encouraged more farmers to join the cooperative in order to strengthen their collective bargaining power.
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