Sebei Cooperative Union embroiled in land farmers land dispute with businessman
KAPCHORWA, October 5, 2025 — A tense but hopeful meeting unfolded this week in Kapchorwa district as members of the Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union Limited [SECU] gathered to defend their land from what they described as an unlawful takeover attempt.
The farmers from different primary societies, joined by union leaders, presented their concerns to the Kapchorwa Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Kizito Nkukwa, in a bid to halt the alleged encroachment and protect the union’s property Kapchorwa town.
The cooperative farmers claim their land is under threat from a private individual, businessman Joseph Kapchemweny. According to union leaders, Kapchemweny has been making moves to demolish structures on the land and assert ownership, actions the farmers say are illegal and jeopardise the future of their cooperative union.
A history of service, now under threat
Founded decades ago, SECU has been a cornerstone of agricultural development in the Sebei Sub-region. It brings together coffee and crop farmers, offering them access to storage, marketing, financial services, and training. The union’s land is home to its offices, storage facilities, and meeting halls, assets the farmers say are now at risk.
In recent months, tensions have risen over this land. Farmers allege that Kapchemweny is attempting to evict them. The farmers, many of whom rely on the union for their livelihood, fear this could undo years of progress.
“This land is our backbone,” said Moses Kubarika, whose primary society is a member of SECU. “We cannot allow one individual to destroy what thousands of farmers have built over decades.”
Farmers demand protection
During the meeting with RDC Nkukwa, farmers insisted the union legally acquired the land and possesses documents proving ownership. They described Kapchemweny’s alleged demolition plans as harassment and called for immediate government intervention.
“We have invested time, labour, and resources in this land,” said Khalifani Chemutai, another farmer. “This cooperative has uplifted our community. It deserves protection, not destruction.”
Union leaders expressed frustration that local authorities had not acted sooner to stop the threats. They asked the RDC to step in before the situation escalates further.
The disputed claim
Kapchemweny claims he legally acquired the disputed plot in 2015. Speaking to reporters, he explained that he purchased the land for Shs 85 million from former leaders of SECU after the land was advertised for auction in the media due to unpaid debt.
“I have all the documents to show the purchase was legal,” Kapchemweny said, maintaining that he is the rightful owner of the land.
However, current SECU Chairperson Nelson Kusuro disputed this account. He said the sale was challenged in court, and the Magistrate’s Court in Kapchorwa later ruled in favour of the union, restoring ownership.
Nelson expressed confusion over why Kapchemweny continued to press his claim despite a court ruling. He urged Kapchemweny to present any legal documents for independent verification.
RDC promises impartial investigation
Meanwhile, RDC Nkukwa has assured farmers under SECU that no illegal demolitions would be allowed. He pledged a thorough investigation into the matter, involving the district land office and security agencies.
“I want to assure you that no one is above the law,” the RDC said. “If the land belongs to the cooperative, then it will be protected. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved legally, not through threats or force.”
Nkukwa urged the community to remain calm and avoid confrontation, while promising to summon Kapchemweny for a formal hearing.
Community rallies behind farmers
News of the meeting spread quickly throughout Kapchorwa and neighbouring areas, drawing public support for the farmers. Many residents emphasised the cooperative’s importance to the local economy, particularly in providing fair prices for produce, job creation, and agricultural training.
Community leaders also called for transparency in handling land disputes, which they noted are common in Uganda and often lead to prolonged conflict. Some urged the parties to consider mediation as a way to avoid a costly legal battle.
A symbol of unity and hope
For many farmers, the cooperative represents more than just land, it is a symbol of self-reliance, development, and unity.
“This cooperative is our strength,” said one young farmer. “Without it, we are scattered and weak.”
As a way forward, RDC Nkukwa proposed a joint session involving the union, Kapchemweny, and relevant land officials to seek a peaceful resolution. Farmers welcomed the plan but remained firm in their resolve not to surrender their land.
For now, any demolition activities have been halted, but farmers remain vigilant. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how similar land conflicts are handled in the region.
SECU is a grower’s co-operative union owned by farmer’s societies drawn from Sebei Subregion. It was registered on June 10, 1964. It is one of the few surviving cooperative unions in the country.
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