ENCOT Foundation partners with companies to boost Soya Bean Farming in Bunyoro
"Your cooperative is your strength. Love it, support it, and mobilize more members. A strong membership base enhances your bargaining power," she advised.
Masindi: The ENCOT Foundation, a member of the ENCOT Group, has unveiled a series of strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the Soya bean Farmers Cooperative Society of Uganda (SOFACU) – Bunyoro Chapter.
This announcement was made by Solomon Karuhanga, the Executive Director of ENCOT Foundation and Group Head of Partnerships, during SOFACU’s inaugural Annual General Meeting held at the organization’s head office in Masindi Town recently.
SOFACU is a key part of ENCOT Foundation’s agricultural value chain acceleration model, which focuses on promoting soya bean cultivation across the Bunyoro region.
Karuhanga explained that the decision to organize soya bean farmers into a cooperative stemmed from the challenges individual farmers face, despite the high value and multiple benefits of the crop.
“Soya bean has great potential, but smallholder farmers struggle to tap into its full value due to limited resources, access to markets, and low bargaining power. Organizing them into a cooperative helps bridge that gap,” Karuhanga said.
As part of the support package for the society, Karuhanga revealed that the Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mount Meru Company, based in Lira. The company will begin purchasing soya bean directly from SOFACU members starting with this season’s harvest.
Additionally, ENCOT Foundation has secured partnerships with companies to supply quality soya bean seeds and fertilizers. ENCOT Microfinance, another member of the ENCOT Group, is also providing financial assistance to farmers.
Karuhanga also disclosed a partnership with a US-based company that will provide farming equipment and capacity-building support. He added that talks are ongoing with other companies to help mechanize soya bean production, thereby increasing both quality and yield.
In a significant move, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom has pledged to support the initiative by mobilizing its subjects to embrace soya bean farming and offering land to interested farmers.
During the meeting, SOFACU members confirmed a nine-member steering committee to serve as the society’s board, led by Peter Isingoma Kadodooba. The committee will serve a four-year term.
Presenting his report, Isingoma revealed that SOFACU currently has 300 registered members, with 106 having planted soya beans this season. He added that the board plans to expand membership to other districts within the Bunyoro region.
Speaking at the event, Monica Tibemanya, the Masindi Municipality Commercial Officer, urged members to fully embrace and take ownership of the cooperative.
“Your cooperative is your strength. Love it, support it, and mobilize more members. A strong membership base enhances your bargaining power,” she advised.
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