SECU land row escalates as Bukwo delegates block access, dispute heads to court
BUKWO, March 28, 2026 — A simmering land dispute within Sebei Cooperative Union Limited [SECU] has escalated into open confrontation and legal action, after rival delegates clashed over a controversial plan to allocate part of Kapyoyon Farm to a private investor.
Tension flared at the 1,766-acre Kapyoyon Farm when delegates from Bukwo district blocked their counterparts from Kapchorwa and Kween from accessing the property, accusing union leaders of pushing through an investment deal without proper consultation.
The standoff, which unfolded on Thursday, saw delegates from Kapchorwa and Kween turned away during what they described as a routine visit to inspect the farm and engage local union members in Bukwo district. Bukwo representatives insisted they had not been consulted on the decision to allocate part of the land to Intracom Fertilizers Limited.
“We cannot allow this process to continue when it is done without involving all of us,” one Bukwo delegate said.
The confrontation quickly escalated, prompting the intervention of security officers to restore calm and prevent violence at the farm entrance.
Delegates from Kapchorwa and Kween rejected the claims, maintaining that Kapyoyon Farm is jointly owned by SECU members across the three districts and should be accessible to all.
“This farm is for all members of SECU, not one district,” said a Kapchorwa delegate who requested anonymity. “Blocking others is not the solution to the problem we are facing.”
At the centre of the dispute is a reported deal in which Intracom Fertilizers Limited was allocated 500 acres of the farm for investment. Proponents within SECU leadership argue the arrangement will spur development, create jobs and generate income for the union.
However, critics say the decision was taken without the required consultation and approval of members, as stipulated under Uganda’s cooperative laws. Some delegates have accused leaders of signing the agreement irregularly.
“There was no meeting to approve this decision,” a delegate from Kween district said. “Such a big decision should involve everyone.”
Matter goes to court
SECU Secretary Manager Simikwo Gilbert confirmed that the matter has since been taken to Mbale High Court, with the delegates who blocked access to the union’s farm being sued.
“The matter is already before court, and mediation has been agreed on before the special general meeting can sit to iron out the issue,” he said.
The case is scheduled for hearing on April 14, 2026.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer Justine Yeko Jims were unsuccessful, while the Bukwo Resident District Commissioner could not be reached by press time.
Local leaders have urged all parties to remain calm and pursue dialogue as efforts get underway to convene a special general meeting bringing together delegates and government officials. The meeting is expected to determine the future of Kapyoyon Farm and review the contested investment deal.
For now, uncertainty hangs over the farm as divisions persist, with many stakeholders hoping that mediation will yield a peaceful resolution and safeguard the interests of all SECU members.
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