Masindi
By Kabageny marion
Lcv masindi district byaruhunga cosmass tell’s farmers of sugarcanes to support bunyoro sugarcane farmers cooperative Union
While giving his inauguration speech yesterday at the district headquarters after being sworn in as the district boss, Cosmas Byaruhanga promised to use his second term as Masindi District LCV chairperson to get farmers in all sectors in the western district organized into cooperatives, especially sugarcane cooperatives.
They are going to mobilize farmers to organize themselves into cooperatives because when they are in cooperatives they will be understanding each other. This will also help them have a bargaining ground to demand what is due to them.
Addressing sugar cane farmers under Bunyoro Sugarcane Cooperative Union (BSCL) Limited during their second AGM on Thursday at education hall, Byaruhanga implored sugar cane farmers in the region to form more primary cooperatives if they are to have a voice and also have a bargaining ground.
“The crop grown in every village in Masindi is sugar cane. The economy is entirely dwelling on sugar cane growing. Let’s embrace cooperatives and subscribe to the union. Members should also be encouraged to buy shares because having a cooperative without money is also nothing
He also underscored to need for the Union’s leadership to sensitise and mobilise members to appreciate the importance of working together as a team.
Byaruhanga further challenged the sugar cane farmers to diversify to other other crops like coffee, fruits and maize among to help them widen their income.
Muhamudu Kazimbaraine the union’s chairperson said the union started in 2021 with five cooperatives including Kyema sugar cane farmers cooperative society, Kyabaswa sugar cane farmers cooperative society, Eziragaine sugar cane cooperative society, Masindi cane growers’ and processors cooperative society limited and Masindi sugar cane farmers cooperative society.
“Apparently they are boosting of 13 primary cooperatives. We are hoping to become a very strong cooperative. Our aim is to transform this region. For instance Brasil is one of the countries which has moved out of poverty through sugarcane growing. Our target now is to unite such that we are able to have access to different equipment we shall be using in the field.
He further called for transparency, accountability and trust if the cooperatives and the union are to succeed.
Kazimbaraine added that they intend to open another weigh bridge in Rukondwa village in Bikonzi sub county such that farmers have access to the weigh bridges.
“In the past farmers wouldn’t get access to the weigh bridges but now they can. This has helped farmers to always know their tonnage before selling to other miller’s. We also intend to start giving agro- inputs and seed cane to our members.
Cleophas Bigirwa, the union’s treasurer said they intend to use sh196 million in this year, adding that they’re going to undertake different activities including registration of different farmers, opening a new weigh bridge, surveying of farmers field, transportation of farmers cane seed, establishing a database and also visiting the new primary cooperatives among others.
He however, explained that they’re facing a challenge of meagre resources to implement a number of activities, adding that the challenge is people are embracing working in cooperatives slowly.
Monica Tibemanya, the Masindi municipality commercial officer called for continued sensitisation and mobilisation of members if they are to understand the rationale of working in cooperatives.
“I also implore you to ensure that you have both shot term, mid term and long term plans as a cooperative to help you have a sense of direction,”