Our Story





As a young and dedicated missionary teacher, Bisagati settles into his new life at the foothills of Mt. Elgon, driven by a passion to make a difference in this small town nestled in eastern Uganda’s rolling hills. His pregnant wife, Mary, supports him every step of the way, juggling her own duties as a medical physician in traditional times.
Bisagati meets his brother-in-law, Masaba, a charismatic farmer, at the bustling coffee market. Together, they argue with market officials about unfair practices that exploit local growers. Over steaming cups of coffee, they discuss alternative solutions like cooperative farming and fair-trade practices. Bisagati invites Masaba to visit his home to check on his expecting sister, which Masaba agrees to.
Despite struggling with malaria, Masaba insists on joining Bisagati on a treacherous journey through thick forests for weeks, seeking new markets in Kenya. Mary disagrees with this plan, fearing the risk of losing her love and brother. As they navigate treacherous terrain, Bisagati feels a sense of foreboding. Suddenly, wild animals drag Masaba away, leaving Bisagati and some members shattered.
Overcome with grief and guilt, Bisagati returns home to Mary, his heart heavy with sorrow. Initially, Mary is upset with him for not taking better care of her brother, but she soon puts aside her anger to care for Bisagati, who has contracted sleeping sickness. After recovering, Bisagati dedicates his life to changing coffee farming and finding new markets.
Together with locals, he conceived an idea to create local coffee societies, which later fueled the formation of Bugisu Cooperative Union in 1954, bringing farmers, traders, and leaders together to mitigate market risks, open new markets, and provide training and resources. Years after Bisagati’s passing, Mary takes up the project full-time, tending to the original plants, now over 90 years old, and mentoring young farmers.
Although the harvest has greatly reduced, the legacy of Bisagati and his wife endures, with coffee sales providing tuition fees and basic needs for families – a testament to love, dedication, and community. The Bugisu Cooperative Union has become a beacon of hope, symbolizing what can be achieved through collective effort and determination. As the years pass, the union continues to grow and thrive, a lasting tribute to Bisagati’s vision and Mary’s unwavering dedication.