HOIMA, September 23, 2024 — The Kakindo Growers’ Cooperative Society Limited in Kyabigambile Subcounty is facing a leadership crisis, as its interim leaders, elected in 2017, refuse to resign despite demands from cooperative members.
During a meeting chaired by Joseph Lutalo, Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives [MTIC] recently, members called for the current board to step down to facilitate the appointment of new board members.
The board members targeted for resignation include Chairman David Isoke Kusemererwe, Secretary Robert Ayebale, and Treasurer Simon Baligonza, along with other members: Yonah Byamukama, Henry Kisembo, Hilda Nyandera, and Joseph Isingoma John Byabakama.
Members are accusing the interim board of non-performance, claiming their leadership has hindered the cooperative’s development.
Sarah Tumwesige, a member, highlighted that the cooperative’s store, previously used for storing farmers’ produce, has been repurposed into a bar, leaving farmers at a disadvantage. She added that the board has not called a meeting to elect a substantive board, despite being appointed on an interim basis.
Wiliam Kitasoboka, another member of the cooperative, echoed concerns about the board’s failure to mobilise farmers, stating that no progress has been made since their interim election.
Swaibu Nyangabyaki, Speaker of Hoima District Council and a cooperative member, expressed disappointment that members are not benefiting from the cooperative. He urged the current leaders to resign peacefully, warning that resistance could harm the cooperative’s reputation.
Lutalo supported the members’ resolution to elect new office bearers, noting that the accused leaders were invited to a harmonization meeting in Kampala but failed to attend.
He remarked that there is no evidence to confirm their election by the membership. “The government is reviving various cooperatives, including Kakindo, but we have encountered leadership challenges here,” he stated. “We were unable to obtain proof of their legitimacy as board leaders.”
Ayebale, speaking on behalf of the interim board, insisted they would not resign, claiming that those requesting their departure are not registered members of the cooperative.
He dismissed allegations that they are interim leaders, asserting that they were appointed as substantive leaders in 2020 and are serving a four-year term, which is not yet complete. He suggested that external influences are prompting members to challenge the board, specifically accusing individuals of attempting to sell off cooperative land.
“We are in the process of reviving this cooperative society, which previously had over 600 registered members but now only has 30,” Ayebale explained. “We are currently unable to engage in any business due to lack of funds. Support from the Cooperative Bank has ceased after its collapse.”
Regarding their absence from the meeting, Ayebale claimed they were not informed in time. He also mentioned that the cooperative owns commercial property, and 300 acres of land in Kyabanati village, which has reportedly been grabbed by unidentified individuals.
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