Mugabe R
Ms. Atuhaire Caroline, the Senior Commercial Officer of Rukungiri District, advised members of the Rukungiri Tree Growers and Timber Traders Co-operative Society to focus on competing in the local market before considering exports, emphasizing the importance of expertise.
She delivered this advice on Thursday, March 14, 2024, during the Annual General Meeting of the Rukungiri Tree Growers and Timber Traders Co-operative Society, which took place at the Timber Yard in Kagogo, Northern A Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
The Rukungiri Tree Growers and Timber Traders Co-operative Society received a donation of 1 billion from the World Wide Fund (WWF) to establish a modern Timber Yard. With construction completed and the yard equipped, members at the meeting empowered the Board to commence operations.
Ms. Atuhaire Caroline emphasized the significance of teamwork, transparency, and adhering to timelines. She urged members to establish themselves in the local market before considering expansion into export markets.
During the meeting, elections were conducted to select new members of the Board to replace those whose terms had expired. The newly elected Board is chaired by Ninsiima Innocent, with Byamukama Edward as the deputy chairperson, Busingye Evas as Treasurer, Baguma James as Secretary, Prudence Kansiime as Vice Secretary, and board members Kamugisha Bernard Matte, Twinomuhwezi Patareho, Batahamu Peter, and Ketty Muhwezi Ndimbirwe.
Arthur Twinomujuni, the Rukungiri District Forestry Officer and a member of the society praised the Rukungiri District administration for their support, including donating land for the Timber Yard. He also thanked the World Wide Fund (WWF) for funding the project and expressed readiness to collaborate with carpenters to add value to their products and stabilize the market and prices.
Ntungura Gideon, the outgoing Board Chairperson, who declined to extend his term, highlighted the achievements of the society and called for strong support for their initiatives. He also revealed plans to invite the President to officiate at the launch of the Timber Yard’s official operations.
Ninsiima Innocent, the incoming Board Chairperson, expressed gratitude to the members for electing him for the next four years and pledged to beautify the site, recruit new members, and prioritize value addition to ensure a ready market.
Charles Kahanyi, the Chairperson of LC3 Kebisoni Sub County and also a member of the society, commended the achievements and suggested sponsoring personnel to acquire operational skills for machine safety at the yard.
The Timber Processing Yard has been tentatively opened to serve both members and the general public at affordable rates.
