Leaders of the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) have been urged to address widening generational and gender gaps within cooperative societies, amid warnings that failure to attract younger farmers could threaten the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector.
Speaking at the BCU Annual General Meeting in Mbale City, Miria Hameg, a Senior Cooperative Officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, raised concern over the dominance of elderly farmers in the union’s structures.
“There are so many elderly people. We want to see the younger generation. If these old men can perform very well, what do you think will happen if youths join this farming?” she said.
Hameg noted that although similar concerns have been raised in previous meetings, progress has remained slow, calling for more deliberate and structured interventions.
While acknowledging the vital role older farmers have played in sustaining coffee production, she warned that advancing age poses a risk to continuity if younger participants are not actively brought on board.
“The older persons may get tired due to age or pass on. They should nominate someone to represent them in case they are no longer able to participate,” she added.
Her remarks come amid broader concerns about inclusivity, with women and youth still underrepresented in cooperative membership and leadership structures.
Hameg also highlighted gaps in succession planning, noting that many farmers have not designated beneficiaries for their shares. This, she said, has led to complications when members pass away, leaving shares unclaimed.
“When people pass on, their shares remain in the books without claimants, even when their children who would benefit are unaware,” she explained.
She referenced provisions under the Cooperatives Act that allow for the transfer of shares to nominated representatives, warning that non-adherence has resulted in dormant accounts at both union and primary society levels.
“Nominee procedures are critical. Succession planning ensures continuity within the cooperative,” she emphasized.
Hameg further challenged members to rethink leadership within the union, cautioning against personalizing the institution or over-relying on long-serving individuals.
“You may have confidence in your current leaders, and that is your right, but you must begin to look at the union beyond the current leadership to safeguard its future,” she advised.
Her comments come amid concerns that prolonged leadership tenure can limit renewal and discourage emerging leaders within the cooperative movement.
Board Chairperson Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who has led the union for close to a decade, pledged to mobilize more youth and women to join primary cooperative societies.
As Bugisu continues to anchor its economy on coffee production, experts warn that the sector’s future will depend on how effectively cooperatives manage generational transition and institutional continuity beyond individual leaders.