East Acholi Cooperative Union installs new board and supervisory committee after peaceful elections
The installation, which follows recent elections, marks a significant milestone for one of northern Uganda's oldest farmer cooperatives, which has faced considerable challenges since 2019 due to leadership disputes and financial mismanagement
PADER, July 21, 2026 — The East Acholi Cooperative Union Limited [EACU] has ushered in new leadership following the official installation of its Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee [SUPCO] during a ceremony held at the union’s headquarters in Kitgum Municipality.
The installation, which follows recent elections, marks a significant milestone for one of northern Uganda’s oldest farmer cooperatives, which has faced considerable challenges since 2019 due to leadership disputes and financial mismanagement.
The newly installed board will be chaired by Richard Otto, with Johnson Lacantute serving as Vice Chairperson and Patrick Olanya as Treasurer.
Other board members sworn into office are Joseph Oryem, Catherine Adokorach, David Obwona Komakech, Simon Lapoti Nono, and Emmanuel Lapyem.
The newly constituted SUPCO comprises Constant Odongtoo Odur as Chairperson, Lillian Adongpiny as Vice Chairperson, and Johnson Santo Owiny Arum as a member.
Speaking during the installation ceremony, Michael Ojok, the Pader District Commercial Officer, who represented the commercial officers of Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Agago districts, urged the new leaders to remain focused on restoring the union to its former strength.
“The state in which the union found itself was not good. It is now the responsibility of the new board members to restore it to its former glory,” Ojok said.
He appealed to both the incoming and outgoing leaders to work closely with stakeholders to revive the union and strengthen its affiliated primary cooperative societies, emphasising that the union’s success depends on the vitality of its grassroots membership.
“Without the primary societies, the union cannot exist,” he added.
EACU currently has 108 affiliated primary cooperative societies representing farmers across the East Acholi districts of Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Agago. However, only 86 societies are currently active.
Alex Opira, the Kitgum District Commercial Officer, noted that the board is not yet fully constituted because Lamwo West is yet to elect its representative. He expressed optimism that the process would be completed by September.
Opira also revealed that the District Commercial Officers from the four districts would organise an induction programme to equip the new board members with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
In his inaugural address, Board Chairperson Richard Otto outlined his priorities for the new term, including reviving dormant primary cooperative societies, safeguarding the union’s assets, and diversifying its business portfolio beyond the promotion of cotton farming in the East Acholi sub-region.
“We must restore the strength of our farmers and make this union work for them again,” Otto said.
The Kitgum Resident District Commissioner, Walter Komakech Oyo, welcomed the board’s commitment to revitalising the union and expanding its enterprises. He urged the new leadership to focus on improving the livelihoods of farmers across East Acholi.
“This is a major union that should create jobs and wealth, in line with the vision of the National Resistance Movement government,” Oyo said.
Founded in 1951, the East Acholi Cooperative Union was established to empower farmers and entrepreneurs across Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Agago districts by improving market access, providing financial services, and promoting value addition.
For decades, the union played a pivotal role in driving the cotton economy in northern Uganda. However, following the death of former Board Chairperson Kalmark Obote Acellam in 2019, it was beset by financial mismanagement, weak accountability and prolonged leadership disputes, which ultimately led to its decline and dormancy.
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