MASINDI, May 19, 2025 –– The Bunyoro Sugarcane Farmers Cooperative Union Limited [ BUSFACO ] has approved a Shs 300 million budget for the 2025 financial year, marking a significant increase from the Shs 131 million allocated in 2024.
The budget was passed during the Union’s third Annual General Meeting [AGM] held on Saturday at the Education Hall in Masindi Town. Delegates in attendance represented over five primary cooperative societies, including Masindi Sugarcane Growers Cooperative Union, Eziragaine Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Society, Kibwona Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Society, and Kyema Sugarcane Farmers’ Cooperative Society, among others.
According to BUSFACO Treasurer Cleophas Bigirwa, the Union anticipates generating Shs 226 million from commissions on sugarcane sales, Shs 20 million from share purchases by primary cooperatives, Shs 4.8 million from fertiliser commissions, Shs 1.3 million from membership fees, Shs 1.3 million from annual subscriptions, Shs 22 million from debt recoveries, and Shs 100,000 from donations.
“To increase the Union’s income, we’ve embarked on various development initiatives,” Bigirwa said. “These include hiring seven hectares of land for sugarcane cultivation at a cost of Shs 40 million, purchasing agricultural inputs for Shs 16.5 million, and investing Shs 25.4 million for returns.”
In his remarks, BUSFACO Chairperson Muhamudu Kazimbiraine emphasised the need for sugarcane farmers in the Bunyoro sub-region to unite under the Union to enhance their bargaining power and take greater control of the local sugar industry.
“Last year, we reported the construction of a weighbridge at Mile 2 along the Masindi–Butiaba Road. I am pleased to announce that we have now added another fully functional weighbridge at Rukondwa village, six miles from Masindi Town in Bikonzi Sub-county,” Kazimbiraine stated. “Construction of a third weighbridge is already underway in Kikuube District along the Hoima–Fort Portal Road and is expected to be operational by the next AGM.”
Kazimbiraine also noted that BUSFACO is developing governance documents to guide the Union’s operations. “We began with our by-laws, which are our core legal framework. We have since developed a business plan and are finalising a financial control manual. Plans are underway to procure Union-owned lorries and tractors, for which a transport control manual will also be introduced and discussed at the next AGM.”
He commended the board for prudent financial management, stating: “Our financial performance, as reflected in the balance sheet and budget, shows steady growth. Even in the absence of a financial manual, we have exercised financial discipline and intend to continue doing so.”
During the meeting, members also adopted a five-year business plan focused on consolidation, improving efficiency, stimulating growth, building cooperative capacity, and achieving long-term sustainability.
According to the plan, BUSFACO aims to grow its total share capital to Shs 40 million by December 2029. Other targets include increasing the membership portfolio to Shs 3.5 million, annual subscriptions to Shs 5 million, commission income to Shs 240 million, and donations to Shs 100 million within the planning period.
The five-year commodity bulk target is set at 240,000 tonnes by 2029, derived from over 3,000 hectares of sugarcane cultivated by members.
Kazimbiraine noted that the business plan was developed through a participatory process involving both the board and management. “This strategy is designed to position BUSFACO as a viable institution, capable of fulfilling its mission to improve productivity and market access for quality sugarcane through empowered members, with a vision of building a sustainable, prosperous cooperative,” he told theCooperator.
Masindi Municipality MP Joab Businge urged sugarcane farmers to form more primary societies and join BUSFACO, arguing that unity is essential for success in the sugar industry. He also called on fellow leaders in the Bunyoro region to support the Union.
“If this Union receives adequate support, it will significantly improve the local sugar industry, as it directly involves farmers. A well-organised cooperative gives farmers better prices through enhanced bargaining power. These are the types of cooperatives the government should support; they are self-sustaining and productive. It’s time we invested in initiatives driven by nationals,” Businge said.
Monica Tibemanya, the Masindi Municipal Council Commercial Officer, stressed the importance of proper record-keeping, transparency, accountability, and adherence to cooperative principles. She also praised BUSFACO’s leadership for consistently organising AGMs, noting that while required by law, such meetings also foster growth and development within the cooperative movement.
BUSFACO was founded two years ago by a group of sugarcane farmers equipped with socio-economic development skills. It was established in response to widespread marginalisation of local communities in the Masindi district and Bunyoro region, with the aim of empowering farmers to improve their livelihoods through cooperative action.
https://thecooperator.news/bunyoro-sugarcane-farmers-urged-to-subscribe-to-local-coop-union/
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