At Foundation Leads Limited (FLL), we believe in the power of sustainable, people-centered solutions to drive lasting change. Our recent engagement with the Ankole Coffee Producers’ Cooperative Union (ACPCU) in southwestern Uganda stands as a prime example of this philosophy in action. This collaboration marked a transformative chapter in ACPCU’s journey to becoming a more efficient, growth-oriented, and people-empowered organization.
ACPCU: A Hub of Growth in Uganda’s Coffee Industry
ACPCU is a farmer-owned export cooperative comprising 32 primary societies, with over 16,000 farmers hailing from the vibrant, multi-ethnic communities of Bushenyi, Sheema, Ntungamo, Mitooma, Rwampara, and Rubirizi. These farmers are the backbone of Uganda’s coffee sector, one of the country’s most important exports. However, like many growing organizations, ACPCU faced several challenges related to organizational management, performance, employee compensation, and structural development.
As part of our mission to empower organizations to thrive, FLL was invited to conduct a comprehensive organizational review and provide strategic insights into strengthening ACPCU’s operational framework. Our goal was to work alongside the ACPCU team to identify bottlenecks, enhance systems, and optimize both employee performance and compensation strategies to ensure long-term success.
A Five-Day Deep-Dive into Organizational Development
Led by Mr. Akeca Pius, FLL’s CEO, and a team of highly skilled consultants, we embarked on a five-day engagement that was both practical and solution-oriented. Our sessions were held directly at ACPCU’s factory premises, allowing us to engage with their dedicated team of 120+ employees in real-time, gain hands-on insights into their day-to-day operations, and introduce impactful strategies for improvement.
Our approach was multi-faceted, tackling key aspects of organizational development that directly impact both internal performance and employee satisfaction. Here’s a snapshot of the critical areas we addressed during our engagement:
1. Review of ACPCU Policies & Records
We started by thoroughly reviewing ACPCU’s existing policies and organizational records. This was essential in identifying gaps in their current approach, aligning the organization’s vision with practical execution, and establishing a robust framework for long-term growth.
2. Job & Workload Analysis
Understanding the complexity and volume of work handled by ACPCU’s employees was crucial. Our team conducted a workload analysis to ensure that tasks were distributed efficiently, and resources were allocated in a way that allowed staff to thrive in their respective roles. This analysis also highlighted areas where additional support or restructuring might be needed to increase productivity and employee satisfaction.
3. Performance Appraisal Tool: Balanced Scorecard
One of the most significant elements of our engagement was the introduction of a performance appraisal tool based on the Balanced Scorecard framework. This tool provided ACPCU with a comprehensive system to assess individual and team performance across multiple dimensions, including financial, operational, and employee growth. It also provided a clear pathway for continuous improvement, offering both the employees and management a transparent and fair way to measure success.
4. Salary Review & Structuring
Compensation and salary structures are often areas of concern in any growing organization. Our team conducted an in-depth review of ACPCU salaries and salary scales to ensure that they were competitive, equitable, and aligned with the cooperative’s goals. We focused on developing a structure that not only fairly compensates employees but also motivates them to perform at their best while fostering a sense of belonging and commitment to ACPCU’s mission.
Addressing Key Challenges: Compensation & Employee Well-being
A significant concern raised during the engagement was compensation challenges—a critical factor that affects employee morale and retention. Many employees felt that their contributions weren’t fully recognized or rewarded, which led to frustrations and a lack of motivation in some departments. By working collaboratively with the ACPCU management, we helped design a new approach to equitable salary structuring and compensation that ensures all employees are fairly rewarded for their work.
Our solution not only aimed at correcting pay disparities but also provided the ACPCU management team with tools to conduct future performance assessments and adjust compensation structures over time as the organization grows.
A Partnership for Long-Term Impact
The engagement was a significant milestone for both Foundation Leads Limited and ACPCU. It reinforced our commitment to creating sustainable change in organizations by developing the capacity of employees and optimizing internal systems for long-term growth. Our collaborative approach allowed us to bring about real, lasting improvements in organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the entire ACPCU team for their commitment and enthusiasm throughout the process. Special recognition goes to our esteemed consultants, Rogers Muwonge and Prof. Wasike David, whose expertise and dedication ensured the success of the engagement.
As FLL’s Managing Director, Mr. Lamex Omara Apitta, aptly put it: “I’m proud of the Foundation Leads Limited team for their exceptional effort and commitment to delivering tailored solutions that have created real impact. We are equally grateful to ACPCU for the opportunity to partner on such a transformative journey and look forward to further engagements that will continue supporting their growth and empowerment.”
Looking Ahead: Empowering Organizations for Sustainable Growth
At Foundation Leads Limited, we are passionate about empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth through structured, people-centered solutions. Our work with ACPCU is just one example of how we leverage organizational development expertise to drive real impact across sectors. We look forward to continuing our work with more organizations, helping them unlock their potential and foster a culture of performance, equity, and empowerment.
Join Us in Driving Impactful Change
As we move forward, we are excited about the possibility of partnering with other organizations to catalyze positive change and drive capacity building in Uganda and beyond. If you’re looking to strengthen your organization’s foundation and empower your team for sustainable success, reach out to us at Foundation Leads Limited.
Together, we can create solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also build the strong foundations needed for tomorrow’s growth.