MASINDI, October 3, 2025 — Soybean farmers in Masindi District have officially formed a cooperative to strengthen their bargaining power, improve market access, and enhance their livelihoods. The newly formed body, known as the Soybean Farmers’ Cooperative Society of Uganda [SOFACU], Bunyoro Chapter, was launched this week with the election of its inaugural leadership.
“Our aim is to bring together all soybean farmers in the region, empower them economically, and ensure they can access better markets,” said Peter Isingoma Kadodoba, who was elected Chairperson of the cooperative.
“I am committed to organising and mobilising our farmers, but success depends on the support and active involvement of all members,” he added.
Kadodoba is deputised by Oliva Kiiza, while Michael Anima was elected as Treasurer. Other board members include Marion Kusiima, Francisca Onadra, Winfred Nakamya, Kanaginagi Ateenyi, Ronald Baguma, and Rajab Karungi.
The election of the leaders were held recently at the ENCOT Foundation headquarters in Kijungu Cell, Masindi Municipality, and presided over by Monica Tibemanya, the Municipal Commercial Officer. Tibemanya also officially handed over the cooperative’s certificate of registration to the newly elected leaders.
Six-month workplan and budget
During the same meeting, Treasurer Michael Anima unveiled the cooperative’s initial six-month work plan, which includes training sessions on post-planting care, harvest preparation, value chain development, and market readiness.
The plan also outlines a massive recruitment drive, targeting 120 new members from eight districts in the Bunyoro sub-region. Members unanimously approved a budget of Shs 52 million to fund these initiatives.
The cooperative is receiving technical and financial backing from the ENCOT Foundation, a Masindi-based non-profit dedicated to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Strengthening collective action
The formation of SOFACU follows the launch of a soybean farmers’ association in June this year, officiated by Patrick Asiimwe, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Masindi. That event marked the beginning of a broader push for farmer cooperation and collective marketing.
“Our goal is to give farmers a common voice, improve their access to financing and agricultural inputs, and enable bulk marketing of their produce,” said Solomon Karuhanga, Chief Executive Officer of the ENCOT Foundation.
“We’re committed to supporting these platforms and eliminating challenges such as counterfeit inputs and poor market access.”
According to Karuhanga, soybean remains a high-value crop with strong market demand. He encouraged more farmers to join the cooperative and strengthen their collective bargaining capacity.
“Currently, we have over 300 soybean farmers registered with the cooperative, of whom 106 are ready to plant,” he noted.
Building strategic partnerships
Pascal Mandhawun, Executive Chairperson of the ENCOT Group and an expert on institutional development at SOFACU, stressed the importance of farmer organisation in achieving economic success.
“Farmers can only benefit fully from their work when they are well organised, use certified seeds, receive quality extension services, and access stable markets,” he said.
“We’ve already partnered with organisations ready to provide market access to our members.”
In April this year, the ENCOT Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Masindi Municipal Council to implement the Agricultural Value Chains Acceleration Model [AVCAM], a programme designed to link farmers to markets, promote modern farming practices, and improve post-harvest infrastructure.
A similar agreement was signed with the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom in early September, further cementing the foundation’s efforts to build agricultural resilience across the region.
https://thecooperator.news/bunyoro-kitara-kingdom-urges-subjects-to-embrace-soybean-farming/
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