The Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) is experiencing a wave of optimism as two formerly opposed delegates have decided to put an end to their 18-year dispute with the leadership under Nathan Nandala Mafabi. Muhamad Nabuyobo from Budwale Primary Society and Swalike Nambuye from Bubyetse Primary Society, both representing the Central Upper Zone, have chosen to bury the hatchet, marking a pivotal moment for the union.
These two delegates were part of a group of four, led by John Wamulugwa from Nagawoya Primary Society, who contested Nandala’s election as the BCU board chairperson back in 2015. Alongside Gibson Gidagwe from Nashelo Primary Society, they had filed numerous petitions alleging financial mismanagement within the union.
The frustration with these four dissenting voices was evident during a recent BCU Annual General Meeting when the Minister of Cooperatives, Henry Gume, criticized their persistent petitions without substantial evidence of financial impropriety. Gume urged the dissenting delegates to reconcile with the union’s leadership for the collective development of BCU.
Despite meetings with government officials, including Minister for the Elderly Dominic Gidudu in December 2022, the reconciliation efforts had previously been unsuccessful. However, in a recent interview, Nabuyobo stated that he and Nambuye have decided to set aside their differences and collaborate with the current BCU board for the betterment of Bugisu.
The decision to reconcile comes after a parliamentary committee on cooperatives audited all cooperatives in the Mbale District, finding BCU to be in compliance. This audit served as a catalyst for the duo to cease their longstanding dispute against Nandala’s leadership.
While Nabuyobo and Nambuye express exhaustion from the protracted battle, their two remaining colleagues, Wamulugwa and Gidagwe, still hold personal reasons for opposing Nandala and the board. The Director of Sironko Valley Zone, Isaiah Sasaga Wanzira, welcomes the reconciliation and urges the remaining dissenting delegates to follow suit, emphasizing the nullification of Nagawoya Primary Society due to its failure to deliver coffee to BCU.
John Musila, the BCU board vice chairperson, reassures that the board will continue to serve farmers even without the two hesitant delegates. He highlights the board’s commitment to transparency and integrity and pledges to work collaboratively with the two delegates who have chosen to reconcile for the benefit of the union and its farmers. Efforts to reach the two remaining petitioners for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this story.
