By Cank Media
The East Acholi Cooperative Union (EACU) has recorded several key administrative and financial milestones just two months after its new leadership assumed office, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen one of Northern Uganda’s oldest farmer cooperative institutions.
EACU, an agricultural producer cooperative founded in 1951, was established to empower farmers, improve access to markets, provide financial services and promote value addition across Northern Uganda.
The new leadership was installed on 21 July 2026, following elections that brought in a new Board of Directors at a time when the cooperative is seeking to rebuild its institutional and financial foundation.
New Leadership
The current Board of Directors is led by:
- Otto Richard – Chairperson, Board of Directors
- Lacantute Johnson – Vice Chairperson
- Komakech Henry – Secretary Manager
- Olanya Patrick – Treasurer
- Oryem Joseph – Member
- Lapyem Emmanuel – Member
- Komakech David Obwona – Member
- Lapoti Simon – Member
- Adokorach Catherine – Member
The leadership is currently serving a two-month period in office, during which it says it has prioritized putting key systems and plans in place to guide the cooperative’s operations.
Business and Financial Plans Put in Place
Among the major achievements recorded during the first two months is the development of a business plan and a financial plan for the cooperative.
The business plan is expected to provide a framework for EACU’s future commercial activities, while the financial plan is intended to strengthen financial planning and guide the union’s resource management.
The leadership has also initiated engagement with potential development partners and funders, with two potential funders contacted as the cooperative explores opportunities to mobilize resources for its activities.
URA Tax Issues Resolved
Another significant milestone reported by the new administration is the resolution of EACU’s income tax matters with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The cooperative has subsequently obtained a Tax Clearance Certificate, providing an important compliance milestone as EACU seeks to position itself for new business relationships, partnerships and potential funding opportunities.
A Cooperative With a Long History
EACU’s history stretches back more than seven decades. Founded in 1951, the cooperative has played a role in supporting farmers and agricultural activities in Northern Uganda.
However, the institution has experienced significant challenges in recent years. Since 2019, EACU has faced leadership disputes and financial management challenges that affected its operations and institutional stability.
The installation of the new leadership therefore comes at an important stage in the cooperative’s efforts to strengthen its governance, restore confidence and create a more sustainable operational framework.
Looking Ahead
With a business plan and financial plan now in place, alongside progress on tax compliance and initial engagement with potential funders, the new leadership is expected to focus on translating its plans into practical programmes that benefit farmers and strengthen EACU’s position in Northern Uganda’s agricultural sector.
For farmers and cooperative members, the effectiveness of the new administration will ultimately depend on how these early institutional steps translate into improved services, stronger market access, financial opportunities and value addition.
The developments recorded during the first two months provide an early indication of the direction the new leadership intends to take as it works to rebuild and reposition the historic cooperative.