Over 150 petitions filed to remove Nandala from BCU

In an effort to throw him out as chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), petitioners have written over 150 petitions to the Commissioner of Cooperatives accusing Nathan Nandala Mafabi of mismanaging the affairs of the union.

The revelation was made by the State Minister for Cooperatives, Fredrick Gume while addressing BCU famers and management that had turned up to attend a special general meeting held at BCU factory in Industrial Division, Mbale Municipality.

The meeting aimed at considering amendments to BCU bylaws and to consider and resolve on persistent petitions in BCU.

"Since 2008, BCU has had over 150 petitions, all from some members who managed BCU from 1996 to 2008 when they were suspected after an inquiry by the commissioner discovered gross mismanagement of the union," he said.

He said that petitions have flooded his office and commissioner in charge of cooperatives, adding that undermines the development, progress and strength of the union again.

The first petition aimed at disqualifying Busamaga Grower's Cooperative Society with the target of blocking Nandala from participating in BCU affairs.

While the second alleged that Nandala and management had falsified financial statements, financial mismanagement and misuse of delegated authority among others.

"I know all politics in unions and they operate like local government bylaws should be consistent like constitution. BCU can never die under my leadership," Gume said.

Some of BCU delegates during the meeting at the factory. Photo by Paul Watala

He said that the union belongs to farmers and management are just workers, adding that farmers make abiding decisions.

Gume noted cooperatives will not operate basing on old bylaws and appealed to management and farmers to make sure that changes are made according to circumstance in order to compete internationally.

"The past is the past and nothing will change. What to do is to learn from the past and do not kill your new baby. Some of you claim government killed cooperatives, no it was circumstances," Gume added.

He said that members should note that one component of a strong cooperative is a set of its legal documents which include the bylaws which must be reviewed on regular basis to suit a particular situation.

The meeting was held amid tight security manned by Antiriot Police under the command of the Mbale District Police Commander, Frank Mugabi after it was suspected that a group of youth were planning to disrupt the meeting.

Police battling one of the youth that attempted to disrupt the meeting. Photo by Paul Watala

Giving his speech, Nandala also accused former board led by John Wamulugwa of selling off the union's prime properties such as Mt Elgon Hotel, Plot 29 and 30 Eden Road, Plot 23 Wasikye Road, Plot 25-36 Half London, 618 acres of land in Doko, and part of Namatala Estate between 1996 and 2006.

Others that he said were also sold include Namakwekwe Estate in addition to leaving BCU with outstanding bills and debts of over sh1.7b. He warned those in court to make sure they have clean hands.

During meeting delegates approved over 15 new bylaws and dropped some of the old ones and this was done so that union is able to move on the same pace with international standards.

Lead petitioner John Wamulugwa with his group confirmed being behind the accumulated petitions, adding that they were doing it to save the union but warned Nandala and farmers to stop attack him in the media.