Author: Progreso

History

Mount Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative Society Ltd. is a vibrant, member-driven cooperative based in Uganda’s Mount Elgon region. We combine coffee cultivation with beekeeping to produce exceptional coffee and honey while uplifting the BAMASABA/GISHU communities. We are committed to climate-smart practices that promote sustainability and support our local ecosystems. Following organic and fairtrade standards ensures our coffee and honey meet the highest quality and ethical standards.

Leadership / organizational structure

• AGM, Board, Supervisory committee, premium committee and management committee. Steering the cooperative´s strategic and day-to-day operations of the coop affairs
• The General Assembly is made up of zonal and group representatives, elects the Board members during the Annual General Meeting.
• The Board appoints the General Manager, who oversees the hiring and management of the team. The General manager is supported by the accountant, Quality, Marketing and extension officers. The community-based trainers support mobilization and act as quality controllers.)

Mission

To equip smallholder coffee and honey farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve production, using a Community-Based Trainer (CBT) extension model that fosters education and innovation.

Vision

To empower farmers to enhance their livelihoods by adding value to their produce and achieving long-term sustainability.

Farmer engagement

Coffee shade tree nurseries, beekeeping integration into coffee farms, organic agroinputs.

Achievements

• Constructed a coffee storage facility and upgraded machinery.
• Partnered with Abi Trust to register farmers in Busongora North constituency on the Geo system for EUDR compliance.
• Secured access to financing from Rabo Foundation through Progreso.
• Conducted Expose training sessions on finance, marketing, and donor relations.
• Brought on board additional partners, including Agri-Terra and MARKUP under ITC.
• Acquired key manuals: Human Resource Policy, Business Strategic Plan (2024–2028), and Governance Manual.
• Introduced mushroom farming initiatives for youth.
• Facilitated youth access to loans for financial empowerment.