Bugisu Co-operative Union Limited

Bugisu Co-operative Union Limited is one of Uganda’s oldest and largest agricultural cooperative federations, established in 1954 by Arabica coffee farmers led by the late Samson Kitutu. Headquartered in Mbale City, the union is owned by over 300 Primary Growers Cooperative Societies, representing thousands of smallholder farmers across the Bugisu sub-region on the slopes of Mt. Elgon. In April 2025, BCU held its 64th Annual General Meeting, reporting steady growth and resilience despite various economic challenges.

• Coffee Production & Export: BCU serves approximately 1,200 member farmers (organized into over 300 primary societies) in the production, processing, and export of premium Bugisu Arabica coffee. It specializes in washed AA, AB, and PB coffee grades.

• Processing Facilities: The union operates an ultra modern factory with a milling capacity of 40 tons of green beans per 8 hour shift. Its infrastructure includes color sorters, gravity tables, and silos for storage.

• Education & Scholarships: A cornerstone of BCU’s social impact is its long-running scholarship program. In October 2025, the union disbursed scholarship cheques to over 300 university students for the 2025 academic year.

• Regional & Global Presence: BCU continues to represent Uganda in regional trade, notably participating in the 25th East African Community MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi in November 2025.

• Renovation Initiatives: In late 2025, BCU announced plans to renovate at least two primary societies per zone, funded by coffee sale proceeds, to enhance service delivery for its members.

• Local Branding: In addition to bulk exports, BCU produces roasted ground coffee for the local market under the Elgon Pride brand.