GULU, April 27, 2026 — Gulu Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited has elected new leaders as it moves to expand its membership base, aiming to achieve economies of scale, boost innovation and productivity, and strengthen its market position.
The cooperative remains the only organisation bringing together avocado farmers in the Acholi Sub-region, which comprises districts of Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader, Omoro, and Gulu City. It currently has 90 members who have planted a total of 77 acres of Hass avocado.
The new leadership was elected on Saturday, during the cooperative’s second Annual General Meeting [AGM].
Geoffrey Orach Otobi was elected Chairperson, replacing Pastor Gabriel Lajul. He will be deputised by Gideon Lajul as Vice Chairperson, while Anabel Ogwang was elected Mobiliser. Alfred Komakech and Walter Nono retained their positions as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Registered in 2021, the cooperative also elected its inaugural advisory board during the AGM. Pastor Gabriel Lajul was chosen as Chairperson of the board, with Christine Oryema Lalobo as Secretary and John Jaramogi Oloya as a member.
Speaking shortly after his election, Orach said he would pursue partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and Gulu University, to secure subsidised seedlings, as well as support for research and training.
“By engaging with stakeholders like the Ministry of Agriculture, we are looking at subsidising the prices of inputs like seedlings. Because currently a seedling of Hass avocado is selling at Shs 5,000, which many farmers struggle to buy,” Orach said.
According to Orach, there is a need to engage young people, particularly those in learning institutions and those with access to land, regardless of its size, in order to expand Hass avocado farming.
“We will also look into partnering with institutions like Gulu University, among others, to engage students and motivate them to make good use of land at their homes by planting not just Hass avocado, but also other perennial crops,” he added.
Hass avocado growing in Acholi is viable and expanding, driven by strong market demand and suitable agro-climatic conditions. With better organisation (like cooperatives), access to certified seedlings, and extension support, the region could become an important hub for Uganda’s avocado export industry.
https://thecooperator.news/avocado-cooperative-seeks-to-make-acholi-a-green-sub-region/
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