Bugisu Co-operative Union (BCU) - Mbale - Uganda

Bugisu Co-operative Union (BCU) Ltd is a Ugandan farmers’ cooperative founded in 1954 by coffee growers led by the late Samson Kitutu. Officially incorporated in 1955, BCU took over coffee marketing from the Bugisu Coffee Scheme. It is owned by Arabica coffee farmers organized into primary societies. Each society elects a committee and sends delegates to the Annual General Meeting, which appoints a Board and management team. BCU follows International Cooperative Principles. Its Arabica coffee is grown on volcanic soils at altitudes between 3,800 and 14,700 ft, mainly organically. Primary processing includes pulping, fermenting, washing, and drying coffee cherries. BCU also runs central pulperies with controlled drying. Dried coffee is delivered to BCU’s mill, where it is inspected, tested, and stored. BCU’s postal address is Private Bag, Mbale.