BUKWO, March 11, 2026 — Tensions have escalated within the Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union [SECU] after delegates elected an ad-hoc committee to oversee the management of the disputed Kapyoyon Farm in Bukwo district, amid disagreements with the union’s board over a partnership deal with an investor.
The bad situation intensified on Tuesday after a delegates’ meeting scheduled to take place at the union’s premises was reportedly blocked by members of the board. Delegates were forced to relocate and later convened at the office of the Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Bukwo.
Delegates had gathered to deliberate on the future management of Kapyoyon Farm, one of the cooperative’s most valuable assets, which has recently become the centre of controversy following an investment partnership reportedly worth about Shs 56 billion.
Disputed investment deal
Under the arrangement, the SECU board agreed to allocate 500 acres out of the farm’s total 1,766 acres to Intracom Fertilisers SMC Uganda Limited for agro-processing and related agricultural investments.
However, the decision has sparked disagreement among some delegates, who argue that such a major commitment should have involved broader consultations with cooperative members before it was finalised.
The tensions became evident when delegates arrived at the union offices for the meeting only to find the premises inaccessible.
“The meeting was meant to allow members to discuss the future of our land, but we were shocked to find the offices closed to us,” one delegate said.
Delegates elect ad-hoc committee
During the meeting held at the RDC’s office, delegates expressed concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of cooperative property.
Some members accused the union’s leadership of sidelining farmers in key decisions affecting the future of Kapyoyon Farm.
Amid the heated discussions, delegates resolved to elect an ad-hoc committee to temporarily oversee activities on the farm.
The committee has been tasked with monitoring operations at the farm, reviewing the partnership agreement with the investor, and ensuring that the interests of cooperative members are protected.
“We want transparency in how this land will be utilised and how farmers will benefit from the investment,” said one delegate who requested anonymity.
Delegates noted that while 500 acres are intended for the investor, the remaining 1,266 acres are expected to remain under the control of the cooperative and local farmers.
Supporters of the ad-hoc committee said its formation would help rebuild trust among members who have raised concerns about the future of their land.
Community raises concerns
The controversy surrounding Kapyoyon Farm has also drawn strong reactions from residents of Bukwo District.
The SECU leadership had earlier announced plans to hand over the approximately 1,700-acre farm to Intracom Fertilisers SMC Uganda on March 4, 2026, a move that some community members say was done without adequate consultation.
Residents argue that the land could instead be utilised through the Parish Development Model [PDM], enabling farmers to grow crops such as maize, beans and Irish potatoes while creating employment for more than 6,000 people.
“This land can support thousands of families if it is managed by the community. Handing it to an investor without clear benefits to farmers is unacceptable,” a local resident said.
Community members warn that the proposed arrangement could leave more than 1,700 people without land to cultivate and deprive many young people of employment opportunities.
They also fear the move could undermine local food security, noting that maize is a staple food in Bukwo district.
Calls for transparency
Some residents allege that a few individuals have colluded with the investor and neglected the interests of cooperative members.
Claims that the project is backed by Operation Wealth Creation [OWC] have also been dismissed by community members, who say the information is misleading.
“If the goal is socio-economic transformation, the project should not leave people landless or jobless,” another community leader said.
Local leaders present during the discussions urged both the board and the delegates to resolve their differences through dialogue, emphasising that unity within the cooperative is crucial for development in the Sebei sub-region.
Special meeting planned
Meanwhile, delegates agreed that a Special General Meeting [SGM] of SECU will be held on March 24, 2026, to allow members to deliberate on the matter and determine the future direction of the Kapyoyon Farm project.
The meeting is expected to bring together delegates, cooperative leaders and other stakeholders to review the concerns raised and chart a way forward regarding the partnership with the investor.
Efforts by this reporter to reach members of the SECU board for comment were unsuccessful, as their mobile phones were switched off.
As the dispute continues to unfold, many farmers across the Sebei Subregion are closely monitoring developments, hoping that the final resolution will safeguard cooperative land while promoting sustainable investment and development opportunities for the community.
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