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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi’s Acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC), William Katsigazi Donato, has raised concerns over the decline of cooperative societies in the region, citing untrustworthy leadership as a major barrier to community development. Addressing leaders during the annual general meeting of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), Katsigazi urged local cooperative leaders to prioritize integrity to foster progress and rebuild trust among farmers.
“A society is defined by people sharing cultural values within a community, and cooperatives are a vital part of that bond. But many cooperatives have fallen due to leaders with conflicting interests,” Katsigazi remarked. He emphasized the need for leaders to be transparent in managing funds, insisting that accountability is crucial to keeping cooperatives sustainable.
The event, which drew over 24 banana-growing cooperatives from the greater Ankole region, honored Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative Society as the top-performing group, with Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative Society earning second place.
George Ruyondo, Chairman of Kazo Banana Growers Cooperative, praised PIBID’s efforts, describing agriculture as the key to eradicating poverty in the region. “Agriculture is our path to prosperity, and we are grateful to PIBID for spearheading initiatives that help us improve our livelihoods,” Ruyondo stated.
Celian Muhumuza, Chairman of Bumbaire Banana Farmers Cooperative Society, attributed their success to the dedication of farmers within the cooperative. “Our farmers' commitment to the growth of the Tooke Factory is the foundation of our achievements,” Muhumuza said, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for leaders to maintain the trust of farmers by ensuring ethical and transparent management of cooperative resources.
Torch Media Africa
