Nandala back as BCU Board chairperson

Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Nathan Nandala Mafabi has bounced back as the Bugisu Cooperative Union-BCU board chairperson. He was declared unopposed by the Commissioner of Cooperatives, Joseph Kitandwe on Wednesday afternoon at the BCU headquarters in Dokho in Mbale town.

Nandala was nominated by Michael Kiganga, a delegate from Bunakikonde Growers Cooperative Society- GCS. John Musila also bounced back as the BCU board vice Chairperson. The delegates were drawn from Upper Central, Lambuli, Sironko, Bugusege, Lwakhakha, Lower central Zone, Manafwa, Rusty and Bubulo Zones.

Addressing the delegates before the elections, the Commissioner of Cooperatives, Joseph Kitandwe advised the members not to listen to non-members who want to divert them from developing the union. “If you are not doing one business with the union then why would you seek for accountability and cause disunity amongst the members,” he asked.

Kitandwe cited the numerous court petitions filed by some people against the union, saying it has turned into a business. He pledged total support for the union if the members stop clashing among themselves, saying the ministry cannot lobby for investors for people who are involved in endless disputes.

Speaking at the same meeting, Bob Mushikori, the Umukuka of the Bamasaba asked the government to stop fighting Nandala and instead, support him to develop BCU for the good of his people. He also dared Nandala to challenge those who call him a thief by reviving the Union.

Enock Musundi, the former BCU Chairperson and Member of the Vetting Committee asked farmers to desist from using their Annual General Meeting for the election of new board members but rather evaluate how the union performed in the previous year.

He also asked farmers to desist from selling their secrets to outsiders and running to courts to solve internal matters, which affects the union. The Annual General Meeting recommended an extension of the term of the Board of Directors from 2 to 5 years, develop both Namatala and Maluku estates, buy a lorry, 2 pickups and a van to ensure the smooth flow and movement of coffee.

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URN