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Our Background

When Gumutindo Co-op Suspended its operations in 2015 due to financial challenges, Fair Trade-certified farmers were left frustrated and unable to sell their coffee in an organized sustainable market.


These illusioned farmers regrouped and formed Mt Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise Ltd (MEACCE), a new cooperative that was certified (Fair Trade and Organic) in 2017.


Today MEACCE represents 12 primary societies; Konokoyi, Bumatanda, Buwesswa, Yilwanako, Bunabude, Bumugibole, Demukata, Sipi, Fusta, Bushiribo, Namanyonyi Shalom, Kamwanyi and over 3,282 coffee farmer members spread across the Mt Elgon region. MEACCE has been trading with Mountain Harvest (a coffee exporter) for 2 seasons (2017 – 2019).


Our predominately Agroforestry community farmers grow coffee at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,100 meters above sea level under canopies of indigenous trees and bananas.


Our farmers use compost from small holdings assisted by animals and we also strive to understand how various farm and processing methods influence the quality of the cup.


Coffees are farmed in traditional ways, with the help of agronomy training to get the best cup results.

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Community Development Focus

The core objective of MEACCE is to reinvest the proceeds and premiums generated from coffee sales into community development projects. These projects are focused on improving living standards, which include:


- Climate change adaptation and mitigation, to help farmers cope with environmental shifts affecting crop yields.


- Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), with programs designed to support the active participation of women and marginalized groups in both the economy and governance structures.


- Social safeguards, to ensure the well-being of all community members, promoting a holistic approach to social development.

Sustainability and Governance

MEACCE not only supports economic growth but also focuses on good governance at the community level, ensuring that all members benefit equally and are included in decision-making processes.

This governance model helps strengthen the cooperative’s ability to function effectively and transparently, reinforcing social trust and cohesion within the communities.

Economic Growth & Farmer Household Income

The cooperative’s efforts aim to increase household income for member farmers, enhancing their economic resilience.

By improving access to fair markets and supporting sustainable practices, MEACCE helps ensure farmers can generate stable, long-term income.

Governance & Management

Informed by the Gumutindo Co-op collapse lessons, we restructured our decision-making process (governance) focusing on collective responsibility for every action.


The General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body and a board of 5 members is elected bi-annually from farmers with integrity, and basic financial and governance knowledge.


The decisions at every level are made after thorough and objective scrutiny guided by MEACCE bye-laws, Human Resources, Financial, Procurement, and Environmental policies which have been approved by the General Assembly.

Board of Directors

MEACCE has a gender-sensitive Board with 20% representation by women (1:5)



The Board of Directors is dedicated to upholding the mission and values of our cooperative. Through strategic oversight, prudent decision-making, and a shared commitment to excellence.



At MEACCE we recognize the role of gender in development and take into account gender inclusiveness in all decisions at all levels guided by the Gender Policy.

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Wambette Nimrod
Chairman
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Sambazi Jenipher
Vice Chairperson
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Chemutai Duke
Treasurer
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Nabutuwa Gidah
Member
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Kuloba James
Member

Management Team



40% of our senior staff are female (3:4)

The management team at MEACCE plays a pivotal role in steering the cooperative's strategic direction, fostering a culture of quality, and ensuring operational excellence. We collaborate closely to drive performance, nurture talent, and deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders.

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Nakalagwa Phaima
General Manager
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Wepukhulu Luke
Operation Manager
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Maria Theresa Namakula
Accountant
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Julius Munialo
Production & Export
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Stephen Kiboma
Quality Officer
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Tom Magomu
Certification Manager
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Rogers Fungo
Projects