MICHAEL N
Members of the Kiyaga Farmer’s Cooperative Society have been encouraged to increase their share capital and adopt organic farming practices to improve coffee quality and enhance competitiveness in external markets.
The call came during the society’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held yesterday at their newly acquired land in Kirama Cell, Kanyampumo Parish, Nyabihoko-Kajara, Ntungamo.
The Guest of Honour, Hon Hunter James Tukahirwa Byenjeru, Member of Parliament Elect for Kajara, represented by Benards Byemire Murohoza, praised members for their organized teamwork aimed at raising coffee farming standards. He also urged members to expand their shares and membership, highlighting government support for cooperative groups through programs such as PDM and Emooga.
Speaking at the AGM, Sezi Niwagaba, the Ntungamo District Commercial Officer, commended members for uniting under the cooperative as a strategy to alleviate poverty. He encouraged adherence to cooperative standards, purchase of additional shares, and the adoption of organic farming to produce high-quality coffee capable of competing in external markets.
Society Board Chairperson, Mr. Ephraim Becungura, highlighted key achievements, noting that members delivered 45,291 kgs of clean milled coffee in the 2025 financial year, up from 28,545 kgs in 2024. He also cited milestones such as obtaining the land title for their new site, providing timely loans and organic fertilizers to farmers, conducting farm visits, and offering training on pesticide management and quality coffee production.
Looking ahead, Ephraim outlined plans to construct offices and storage facilities on the new land, acquire a safe and a motorcycle, and conduct more training sessions for farmers. He appealed for government support to fund these initiatives and reduce premature coffee sales by farmers.
Society Manager, Miss Jenninah Aniembabazi, reported a significant increase in membership, which has contributed to higher coffee production. She credited this growth to regular farm inspections, corrective trainings, and networking with the Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union and other organizations supporting coffee farmers across western Uganda.
During the AGM, best-performing farmers who practiced organic farming and delivered high volumes of coffee were rewarded with gifts to motivate others. The meeting also elected new leadership for the Board, Supervisory Committee, Premium, and Delegates for the next four years, with Mr. Ephraim Becungura re-elected as Board Chairperson and Herbert Katongole as Vice Chairperson.
