Disputes Force RDC to Take Over Kakindo Grower’s Cooperative Society Limited

HOIMA, October 2, 2024 — The Hoima District Resident Commissioner [RDC] has intervened and temporarily taken control of the Kakindo Growers’ Cooperative Society Limited due to ongoing leadership conflicts.

The decision to assume control was made during a meeting convened by Deputy RDC Michael Kyakashari recently, aimed at resolving disputes between the cooperative’s board members and its members. Tensions escalated when a faction of members called for the resignation of the current board to facilitate the appointment of new leaders.

Those directed to hand over the cooperative’s office include Chairperson David Isoke Kusemererwa, Secretary Robert Ayebale, Treasurer Simon Baligonzaki, and board members Yonah Byamukama, Henry Kisembo, Hilda Nyandera, Joseph Isingoma, and John Byabakama.

Members of the cooperative allege that the board has underperformed and failed to advance the cooperative’s development. Although Joseph Lutalo, Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives [MTIC], attempted to mediate, he left without a resolution.

Ayebale countered the members’ demands, stating that those calling for change are not registered members of the cooperative. He suggested that these individuals may be influenced by others with ulterior motives, specifically regarding the potential sale of the cooperative’s land in Kakindo Trading Centre.

Hoima District Commercial Officer John Tumusiime also engaged both sides in an effort to mediate but was unsuccessful, leading to police intervention and the temporary locking of the cooperative’s office.

The following day, Deputy RDC Kyakashari called both factions to another meeting, but it failed to yield positive results. He then instructed all members, along with anyone interested in joining the cooperative, to register with the Bulindi Town Council Town Clerk.

Kyakashari announced plans to convene a meeting of all registered members to appoint a new board for the cooperative. “During this meeting, only registered members will have the right to either retain the current board or elect new members to manage the society,” he said.

Simon Baligonzaki, the cooperative’s treasurer, expressed gratitude for the RDC’s intervention, asserting that it would help address the challenges facing the cooperative.

https://thecooperator.news/drc-cooperative-affected-by-conflict-in-need-of-support/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.new