a word from the chairman
As the Chairman of Teso Cooperative Union, I am honored to welcome you to our website. Our Union has been in operation for many years, working tirelessly to improve the lives of our members and their communities. We are a member-owned cooperative, committed to ensuring the social and economic development of our members through sustainable and innovative solutions.
Our core focus is on promoting and supporting agricultural production, processing and marketing, as well as capacity building for our members and staff. We believe that through these efforts, we can make a positive impact on the livelihoods of our members and contribute to the development of our region and country as a whole.
We are proud of our achievements so far, including increased membership and improved financial performance. However, we are not complacent and recognize that there is always room for improvement. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, and will continue to strive to deliver the highest quality services to our members and stakeholders.
We appreciate the support of our members, staff, partners, and stakeholders in our journey thus far, and look forward to continued collaboration as we work towards our shared goals. Thank you for your interest in Teso Cooperative Union, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our organization and the work we do.
Thank you.
Hon. Elijah Okupa
Chairman, Teso Co-operative Union
Background
Teso Co-operative Union (TCU) LTD was registered in 1954 under the cooperative Societies Ordinance 1946. The Major aim of the union is to promote in accordance with the cooperative principles the social and economic interests of its members. In the ten Districts of Bukedea, Katakwi, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Serere, Ngora, Kumi, Kapelebyong and Kalaki.
HISTORICAL PROFILE
In highlighting key events of TCU, a chronological pattern has been adopted. During the year between 1969/70 to 1974 /75, TCU experienced its boom where production was at its maximum reaching its highest level of cotton production of 74,200 and declined to 10,405 bales of cotton lint giving an average of 36,412 bales annually. These high levels of production and marketing were attributed to existence of tractors for hire, availability of inputs and tools at primary society level. The market demand and prices of cotton externally influenced production and supported by established bulking infrastructure as well as presence of Lint Marketing Board that played the mediatory role. Farmers at primary society level were all organized and Government policies supported the Cooperative Movement. TCU in addition to Cotton Marketing operated a produce marketing department which used to handle other members produce other than cotton. This include among other produce, Cassava, Ground nuts, Sorghum, Millet, Maize, Cowpeas, Green Grams, Rice, Beans, etc. The highest level of produce marketing was attained during 1970 / 1971 marketing season when the said department handled more than 5,000 tons of produce.
1
vision
To be a vibrant and leading agricultural produce marketing cooperative union
2
mission
To empower and transform the members of the cooperative movement with an overall goal of maximizing benefits to the individual members.
3
area coverage
Teso Co-operative Union (TCU) LTD operates in the ten Districts of Bukedea, Katakwi, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Serere, Ngora, Kumi, Kapelebyong and Kalaki.
Products and Services
The Union provides a comprehensive set of value added consumer products and services that are specially catered to our clients and sponsors. These services and products include:
Lint cotton
milk
Cotton seed
Agricultural inputs
Production credit
Poultry development and small ruminants
Groundnuts
Cassava Value chain development
Maize
capacity building