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The Coop3600 Network and the continued training of Cooperatives on the Network

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The Network, as we like to fondly call it, is a platform that was developed by the Uhuru Institute for Social Development Ltd (TUI). The Coop360 Network was established with the intention of cultivating a breed of cooperatives that have a cooperative identity. Value-based cooperatives are ones that operate in accordance with the seven fundamental principles of cooperatives (voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, and information, cooperation among cooperatives, concern for the community), offering benefits to their members and having an effect on the communities that make it possible for their enterprises to prosper.

The network team, under the direction of Relationship Manager Mary Anyango, continued some of the training that TUI typically offers to its cooperative partners through the institute’s Skill Coop arm following the successful launch of the Coop360 Innovations Award series. The training took place in Gulu and Lira during the last week of September.

The first part of the week was spent in Lira with the Atiak Sugar Outgrowers Cooperative Limited, which was made up of teams from the nearby districts of Kitgum and Lamwo as well as those from Gulu. After that, the team spent the rest of the week in Lira with the Lira Diocese Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. These training sessions served as a reminder of  TUI’s purpose and dedication to fostering an environment in which Ugandans can work together to build wealth through their cooperatives.

At the conclusion of the training, several of the members of the cooperatives expressed feeling motivated and reiterating the need to collaborate, develop within their enterprises, and also be diligent in the process of rebuilding vibrant communities in their immediate surroundings.

Daniel Oloya taking a seflie with a fish pond in the background

#NoExcuses alumni, where are they now?

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The Inspiring Journey of Daniel Oloya 

The Uhuru Institute for Social Development (TUI) recognises the overall impact of the context above on the youth, appreciates that youth is a transition period from childhood (dependence) to adulthood (independence), accommodating perceptions and definitions to the specific context and situation. It is a particular period in life where lifestyle choices and opportunities can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s future. Consequently, we believe that while youth require support to enable their takeoff, the decision that one takes in their youth should build the future –hence of #NoExcuses programme.  

Between 2014-2017 implemented 8 #NoExcuses Youth Leadership and Opportunity Camps with amazing results and outcomes. Without any further support from TUI, the alumni of these youth camps like Daniel Oloya have made tremendous progress in their life including, that many attribute to their learning during the #NoExcuses camps, and many now entrepreneurs, local councillors, members of parliament, and cooperatives leaders etc.     

Daniel's Rice Farm

Daniel showing the harvest from his rice farm

Daniel Oloya was born on April 11, 1984, and hails from the village of Awalmon Central in the Ogole Parish of Bongtiko Sub County, Pader District. He has come a long way since his participation in the #NoExcuses programme, he took time to speak to us about where he is now and what the programme meant to him as a young entrepreneur.

His journey began with a diploma in Civil Engineering, which laid the foundation for his career. He is a self-employed farmer, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit through his business, KONYA KONYI AGRO ENTERPRISE PADER, Konya Konyi: means help me help you in Luo. So far, the business has handled two key areas: fish farming and commercial beekeeping. The business has been thriving in both sectors, producing raw honey, processed honey, bee wax, candles, honey wine, and bee venom extraction. 

Fish Farming

Daniel’s fish farming venture is made up of three ponds with a total stocking capacity of 24,000 fish. The ponds, measuring 30 x 20 m, have been a successful source of fish production. He plans to construct a hatchery that will increase the supply of fingerlings and provide preservation structures to minimise waste. He hopes that this will attract more youth into agri-business which will fulfil Daniel’s plans for transforming the community for development.

Beekeeping

With 157 hives yielding a minimum of 1200 kg per harvest, Daniel’s beekeeping enterprise has seen impressive growth over the years. To overcome the challenges of beekeeping, he introduced innovative measures, including providing cassava flour to bees as a supplement, creating water points near the bee yard, and offering honey solutions. These strategies have significantly increased honey production.

Beehives at the farm courtesy of Daniel Oloya

Skills Development and Impact

Daniel says that his participation in the #NoExcuses  programme brought about significant personal and professional growth. Some of the key skills he developed during the programme and how he applied them are:

  1. Networking: 

Daniel has been able to leverage his networking skills to attract development partners, such as Food for the Hungry International and Caritas Uganda, which support his youth-focused fish farming training.

  1. Collaboration and Teamwork: 

After the #NoExcuses programme, Daniel initiated a youth alliance group engaged in commercial rice production, receiving support from the United States African Development Fund (USADF). Through the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) Gulu Office, the group has achieved impressive results, producing 27 tonnes of rice in 2022 and expanding to 42 acres in 2023. Daniel is the group spoke/contact person (coordinator, Pader District). 

  1. Personal Growth: 

Daniel’s business has grown significantly, with his beekeeping operation expanding from 83 hives in 2021 to 157 hives. His market base has also expanded, and he says this was due to learning how to network with different people while in the programme.

  1. Community Impact: 

Daniel has transformed his fish farm into a learning centre for youth and active fish farmers in the district and beyond. This initiative aims to attract more young people to agri-business and contribute to community development.

 

Recommendation for Youth

Daniel Oloya strongly recommends young people join the #NoExcuses programme for several compelling reasons:

  • Broadened Vision: The programme opens up new perspectives and opportunities for youth, serving as an eye-opener.
  •  Networking Opportunities: Participants get to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to identify various business opportunities in agriculture and other ventures.
  • Advocacy for Youth: The programme provides a platform to discuss youth-friendly issues and present them to the government for national consideration.
  • Path to Prosperity: #NoExcuses is a gateway from poverty to prosperity, equipping young people with the skills and mindset for success.
  • Inclusivity: The programme promotes inclusivity by fostering discussions on personal and national growth without discrimination based on political affiliations, religion, or ethnicity.
Daniel Oloya taking a seflie with a fish pond in the background

Daniel Oloya courtesy of Daniel Oloya

Daniel Oloya’s journey is not only inspiring but seeing his growth to a successful agri-entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment is a testament to the transformative power of programmes like #NoExcuses. His story serves as an inspiration to young people seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.