About Us
masaka Cooperative Union
Who We Are
Masaka cooperative union
Masaka Cooperative Union started its operations as other cooperative societies though it faced challenges from the colonial masters. However, it was able to achieve its Objectives and it has always been a great success story from its farmers. Initially the role of the union was to collect and sell coffee of its primary society members but not buying from them.
This has changed over years due to the introduction of middle men in the market who were able to offer immediate cash to the farmers.
The Union was drastically hit by the War insurgencies in the 1970s, 1980s and finally the National economic Policy of Liberalization in the 1990s. However, since then, we have embarked on a revival process that has seen the Union and its affiliates coming back into the game. We thank every one who has been in this struggle now that we are back to our feet to awaken the once pride of our grandparents.
Today, Thanks to the unwavering determination of our members and the support of the Ugandan government’s compensation for war losses, Masaka Cooperative Union is in a period of active and exciting revival. We are rebuilding from the ground up, not just to regain what was lost, but to innovate and create an even stronger, more sustainable future for the next generation of farmers. We are rekindling the flame of cooperation and restoring trust in a movement that has always been about empowering people
Vision & Mission
Our Vision Mission For Masaka Cooperative union
Core Services:
The union’s main focus is on coffee, and they are heavily involved in the entire coffee value chain. services include:
- Buying Coffee
- Farm Supply
- Nursery Beds
- Grading and Processing
- Produce Aggregation and Marketing
01
Our Mission
To empower farmers in the Greater Masaka region by providing sustainable, market-driven solutions that enhance income, improve livelihoods, and build a strong, self-reliant community. We strive to make coffee production and other agricultural ventures more rewarding for our members.
02
Our Vision
To be the leading agricultural cooperative in Uganda, recognized for our commitment to quality, transparency, and the prosperity of our members.
Our Values
Masaka Cooperative Union
We promote farming practices that are not only profitable but also environmentally responsible, ensuring the health of our land for generations to come
01
Empowerment
We believe in giving farmers the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed and take control of their economic future.
02
Transparency
We operate with complete honesty and integrity in all our transactions, ensuring our members know exactly how their produce is valued and managed.
03
Quality
From the coffee seedlings we provide to the beans we grade, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality in every aspect of our work.
04
Community
We are a family, united by a common purpose. We work together to support one another and contribute to the well-being of our entire community
About
Masaka Cooperative Union
MCU, which was founded in 1951, suffered a major collapse due to political instability in Uganda in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Masaka Cooperative Union (MCU) is more than just a business; it is a testament to the power of community and resilience. Founded in 1951, our union was born from a fundamental need: to unite coffee farmers in the Greater Masaka region and protect them from exploitation by private monopolies. Our founders envisioned an organization that would empower local farmers, give them a stronger bargaining voice, and ensure they received a fair price for their hard-earned produce.
In the decades that followed, MCU grew into a dominant force in Uganda's cooperative sector. By the 1960s and 70s, we were a regional powerhouse, providing essential services, creating thousands of jobs, offering scholarships, and contributing significantly to the social and economic development of the area. We owned a fleet of commercial vehicles, managed multiple coffee factories, and ran extensive farms and ranches. We were a beacon of prosperity and self-reliance for the people of Masaka.
However, the political instability and civil wars of the 1970s and 80s devastated our union. We suffered immense losses, including our valuable assets and the erosion of our member base. For years, MCU was a shadow of its former self, a painful reminder of what had been lost
Thanks to the unwavering determination of our members and the support of the Ugandan government's compensation for war losses, Masaka Cooperative Union is in a period of active and exciting revival. We are rebuilding from the ground up, not just to regain what was lost, but to innovate and create an even stronger, more sustainable future for the next generation of farmers. We are rekindling the flame of cooperation and restoring trust in a movement that has always been about empowering people.