Lango cooperative union in crisis over missed elections, AGM

17 April 2025, 2:00 pm

By Olomo Joshua and Sarah Ejang

The Lango Cooperative Union is embroiled in a serious leadership crisis following its failure to conduct the mandatory elections and Annual General Meeting (AGM) as required by law.

The situation has sparked tension and raised concerns about governance and accountability within the organisation.

According to Section 18(6) of the Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act 2022, cooperative unions are required to hold AGMs every four years to elect new leadership. However, the current leadership of the Lango Cooperative Union, which assumed office in 2016, has continued to serve beyond its legal mandate, which expired on March 24, 2024.

Francis Owiny Dano, Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, brought this matter to light in a report submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives on October 18, 2024. The report confirmed that no AGM or leadership elections had been held since the expiration of the current leadership’s term, in violation of Regulation 21(4) of the Cooperative Societies Regulations 1992.

In response to these violations, Robert Bariyo Barigye, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, issued a directive for the current Board and Supervisory Committee members to vacate office and called for new elections to be conducted by October 30, 2024. However, this deadline has since passed without compliance.

Board member Akora Maxwell Ebong Patrick requested a three-month extension from the Registrar on November 8, 2024, citing the need to address financial and organizational issues. Akora attributed the delays to alleged mismanagement and financial losses, particularly those incurred during the International Day of Cooperatives celebrations in July 2023. The situation has drawn criticism from various stakeholders.

De-Apach Godongo, a member of the Odopaco Multipurpose Primary Society in Apac, expressed concern over the Ministry’s perceived inaction regarding leadership violations and alleged misappropriation of Union property by current officials.

Francis Owiny Dano further noted that despite the Board chairperson’s request for a three-month extension, more than five months have elapsed without elections being held. He emphasized that the issue affects most primary societies in Lango and called for immediate action to ensure accountability and compliance with cooperative law.

The Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, through Office Administrator Nakayunga Joan, has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that the matter is under review.

The ongoing leadership crisis continues to disrupt the Union’s operations and raises serious questions about its adherence to cooperative principles and governance standards.

This situation highlights the urgent need for intervention to restore proper governance and ensure compliance with cooperative laws and regulations at the Lango Cooperative Union.