By KT Reporter
A decision by Sebei Cooperative Union (SECU) to lease 500 acres of land at Kapyoyon Farm in Bukwo District to Itracom, a multinational company, has sparked protests from residents and local leaders. The contested land is part of the 1,766 acres owned by SECU in Kapyoyon.
Currently, the land is leased annually to local farmers at a fee of 300,000 Shillings per acre. Local leaders estimate that at least 500 families could be affected if the 500 acres are handed over to the investor. According to information obtained by Uganda Radio Network, SECU plans to lease the land to Itracom for 20 years, with the investor expected to inject more than 50 billion Shillings into modern agricultural activities.
Jean Luc Bigirimana, a representative of Itracom, said the project aims to modernize agriculture in Sebei and create employment opportunities for the youth. He noted that it would introduce modern farming methods, establish a demonstration farm for Irish potato seed multiplication and fertilizer use, and create over 3,000 jobs. “We are not taking the land but introducing modern farming methods and opportunities that will benefit farmers in Sebei,” he said.
However, farmers have accused the SECU executive committee of bypassing cooperative procedures and failing to consult delegates and land beneficiaries before initiating the transaction. Aron Kwemwa, one of the cooperative leaders, said the leasing process did not follow procedures required under cooperative laws governing the union’s 72 affiliated societies. He argued that the acting chairperson spearheading the deal lacks the mandate, noting that the committee’s tenure expires in October.
“We are bound by laws governing cooperatives, but the right procedures were not followed,” Kwemwa said, advising the investor to halt the process until approval is sought from delegates during the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Everline Cherop, a cooperator under Bukwo Growers Cooperative, said members were shocked to learn of the decision without prior consultation. While acknowledging that modernization could benefit farmers, she faulted the union leadership for a lack of transparency.
“How can we be comfortable approving something done behind closed doors?” Cherop asked, warning that failure to follow due process could trigger conflict among beneficiaries. Bukwo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Bareso W. Joshua also criticized the proposed lease, describing it as suspicious and politically influenced. He questioned how farmers would benefit from improved seeds and fertilizers if a significant portion of the land they currently cultivate is taken away.
“When 500 acres are turned into a demonstration farm, where will farmers plant?” Bareso asked, adding that he is ready to defend community interests. Ndiwa Tenderesi, a beneficiary of Kapyoyon Farm, warned that the investor risks fueling land disputes by engaging what he described as “wrong office bearers,” whose tenure is set to expire pending the August AGM.
He urged the company to consult legitimate leaders and community members to avoid tensions. The dispute highlights growing concerns over land governance and transparency in cooperative unions in the Sebei sub-region, where communal farming land remains a vital source of livelihood for hundreds of households.
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