EDITOR
The Senior Institutional Officer of Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA), Robert Asiimwe, has urged the public to prioritize hard work and investment in economic development projects that generate profits to attain wealth.
Asiimwe made these remarks while presiding over the 15th annual general meeting of Rubingo Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited in Bugamba Sub-county, Rwampara District. He dismissed the notion that wealth can be obtained through other means, emphasizing that those considered wealthy often acquire bank loans and channel them into profit-driven ventures.
During the meeting, Rubingo Farmers’ Cooperative Society Manager, Twesigye Emmanuel, reported significant growth in the society’s income-generating projects, highlighting that they do not solely rely on member savings and shares. The cooperative operates a coffee huller, a fuel station, and a savings and credit scheme, all of which have contributed to its financial strength.
Twesigye revealed that fuel station sales increased from UGX 42 million in 2023 to UGX 49 million in 2024, while revenue from the coffee huller rose from UGX 40 million in 2023 to UGX 57 million in 2024. He further stated that, due to these successful investments, Rubingo Farmers’ Cooperative Society is undergoing a transformation into a multipurpose cooperative society, with membership now standing at 2,300, the majority being coffee farmers.
Chairperson Kafureeka Muhanda Patrick called on members to remain focused and committed to investing in their cooperative society to sustain economic growth. He also expressed disappointment that the government had yet to fulfill promises made to the cooperative society by the Minister of State for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune.
During a previous annual general meeting, Minister Kasolo had pledged to facilitate a study tour of his coffee farm for cooperative members and to lobby for a tractor, a coffee huller, and a maize milling machine from the government. However, these commitments remain unfulfilled.
Despite the challenges, Rubingo Farmers’ Cooperative Society continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and commitment to economic transformation through strategic investments and an expanding membership base.
