KAPCHORWA, July 16, 2025 –– Peter Swilikey Kissa, a respected cultural leader in the Sebei Subregion and veteran journalist, has called for stronger collaboration between cultural institutions and the cooperative sector in Uganda.
In an exclusive interview with theCooperator News, Swilikey expressed concern over the declining impact of cooperatives in the Sebei Subregion, warning that the absence of strong structures has left smallholder farmers vulnerable to market exploitation.
“In the 1960s, cooperatives played a critical role. Even the smallest farmer benefited from bulk marketing through primary societies. Today, those structures are gone, and farmers are at the mercy of middlemen,” he said.
Swilikey noted that farmers now sell their produce at low prices to intermediaries, who then reap significant profits. He described the current state of the cooperative movement in the Sebei Subregion as “ineffective” and “non-functional”.
Cultural institution still in infancy
Swilikey also highlighted the early-stage development of the Sebei cultural institution, which has yet to be officially gazetted by the government. The lack of legal recognition, funding, and formal inclusion in public programmes such as cooperative development remains a major barrier.
“We are still in a nursing stage. The institution is being established, but because we are not gazetted, we have no access to government resources that could help strengthen our role,” he explained.
He lamented the absence of any formal collaboration between the cultural institution and cooperatives in Sebei, despite their shared focus on community welfare and grassroots development.
Five-point plan for future engagement
Looking ahead, Swilikey revealed that his yet–to–be recognised cultural institution is developing a five-point plan to foster meaningful collaboration between its clan-based structure and the cooperative movement. The goal is to leverage the trust and organisational strength of traditional leadership to support cooperative revival and increased participation.
“We are creating a system that allows clans to work hand in hand with cooperatives. Cultural leadership has the social legitimacy to mobilise communities and instil accountability at the grassroots,” he noted.
When contacted for a response, Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer, Justin Yeko, stated that no formal partnership currently exists between the district and the Sebei cultural institution.
“So far, there is no existing partnership between the district and the cultural institution because it has not yet been gazetted,” she said briefly.
A Call for inclusive development
Swilikey concluded by urging government agencies, cooperative leaders, and development partners to formally recognise traditional institutions as key stakeholders in rural development. He called for inclusive policies that integrate modern economic frameworks with indigenous leadership structures.
Echoing his sentiments, Shaid Mwanga, General Secretary of Wagagai Coffee Farmers’ SACCO, agreed that formal engagement with cultural institutions could help strengthen the cooperative sector.
“Cultural institutions are close to the people, just as cooperatives are people-centred. If the two can work together, member mobilisation and trust in cooperatives can be significantly improved,” he said.
Mwanga noted that agricultural cooperatives, particularly those dealing in crops like coffee, struggle to reach all farmers effectively. He believes traditional structures could help bridge that gap and extend services such as financial literacy, marketing, and agronomy training to coop members.
“Farmers trust their clan leaders, and cooperative leaders should tap into that relationship to build stronger cooperatives that serve every corner of the community,” he added.
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