LUUKA, June 10, 2026 — Coffee and cocoa farmers in Luuka district have formed a cooperative society aimed at pooling resources, strengthening their bargaining power, and improving access to markets, credit facilities and agricultural inputs.
The Luuka Coffee and Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperative was launched over the weekend, bringing together at least 326 farmers from across the district.
The cooperative is expected to boost production and productivity, promote modern farming practices, and improve storage facilities for farmers growing the two cash crops.
The Isabalangira [Chief Prince] of Luuka Chiefdom, Eng. George Inhensiko, who spearheaded the formation of the cooperative, said farmers in the district had the potential to transform their livelihoods through a strong and well-managed cooperative structure.
“If we can all dedicate our efforts to the cooperative, we shall become a powerful group, capable of attracting more capital and expanding our membership by encouraging others to join,” he said.
Inhensiko urged farmers to trust the cooperative’s leadership, give them adequate time to steer the organisation, and support them by adhering to decisions reached during meetings and other engagements.
He also called on members to serve as ambassadors of the initiative within their respective communities by mobilising more farmers to join. He noted that meaningful and sustainable development can only be achieved when communities embrace collective action and support individuals championing positive change.
He particularly encouraged young people to actively engage in coffee and cocoa production to support the growth of the cooperative.
In addition, he advised them to participate in the leadership of the cooperative in order to gain knowledge and develop a deeper appreciation of the cooperative movement.
The farmers resolved to register the cooperative in Luuka district under the guidance of Assistant District Production Officer Michael Waiswa.
The interim committee is chaired by Eng. Patrick Kyakulaga, who has been tasked with steering the organisation, assisted by Turker Mugogo, who was appointed the cooperative’s legal adviser.
Mugogo has played a key role in the cooperative’s formation, bringing together farmers, traders, religious leaders and community members under a common platform aimed at strengthening coffee and cocoa production in the district.
He underscored the importance of mindset change, skills development and capacity building, and called upon leaders and farmers to participate in training programmes and engagements organised by the cooperative to improve productivity.
Mugogo also pledged to work closely with the district production and agriculture departments to provide farmers with improved coffee and cocoa seedlings and promote the adoption of sound agronomic practices.
The Royal Chief of Luuka Chiefdom,Willington Nabwana Inhensiko IV [Baba Tabingwa], has consistently advocated for the formation of cooperatives and farmer groups as a means of accelerating development within the chiefdom.
In a letter read to the farmers, Tabingwa highlighted the immense potential of cooperatives to transform lives through sustainable household incomes, knowledge sharing and improved agricultural marketing.
“The cooperative will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Luuka Chiefdom and the Busoga Sub-region through increased coffee and cocoa production, employment creation and enhanced household incomes,” part of the letter read.
The establishment of the cooperative society underscores the growing commitment of local leaders, farmers and other stakeholders to harness agriculture as a powerful tool for reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities, improving livelihoods and driving sustainable economic growth.
https://thecooperator.news/luuka-parish-chief-arrested-over-ghost-pdm-beneficiaries/
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