news 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sebei Farmers Demand Urgent Meeting Over 20-Year Lease of 500 Acres to Fertiliser Investor
Members of the Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union are protesting a proposed 20-year lease of 500 acres of union land to Itracom Ltd for a fertiliser factory and potato farm, claiming leaders signed an MOU without consultation. They have issued a 14-day ultimatum for an annual general meeting, warning that up to 500 families could lose access to the land currently rented annually to locals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sebei-farmers-protest-20-year-lease-of-500-acres-of-land-to-investor-5396260
Farmers affiliated with the Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union in eastern Uganda are up in arms over plans to lease 500 acres of the union’s 1,766-acre land to investor Itracom Ltd for two decades. The land, presently rented yearly to local farmers for Shs300,000 per acre, could displace at least 500 families if the deal proceeds.
On February 14, delegates gathered at Kapyoyon farm in Bukwo District’s Suam Sub-county were informed of a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the investor. Itracom’s country director, Jean Luc Bigirimana, promised a Shs52 billion investment in a fertiliser factory and Irish potato demonstration farm, aiming to create jobs, boost tourism, generate foreign exchange, and enhance livelihoods through better farming practices.
However, many farmers walked out, furious that union leaders bypassed consultation or an annual general meeting (AGM). Veteran delegate Burhan Siwa accused the board of illegal actions, noting prior AGM approval limited transactions to Shs300 million, far below the deal’s scale. He emphasised the land belongs to Sebei sub-region communities across Bukwo, Kapchorwa, and Kween districts.
Delegates from over 72 societies, blocked by security from meeting at the union’s Kapchorwa headquarters on March 10, convened outside the RDC’s office instead. They formed a nine-member ad-hoc committee and gave chairperson Isaac Nelson Kusuro 14 days to call an AGM, threatening to summon one themselves if unmet.
Acting chairperson Kusuro dismissed the gathering as illegal but pledged a general meeting soon, citing compliance with the Cooperatives Act, including a no-objection letter from the commissioner. He argued the board isn’t legally required to brief delegates on leases, only sales.
Bukwo Woman MP Evelyn Chemutai criticised the leadership for sidelining members and condemned security interference. Former chairperson Col Juma Seiko revealed the land title remains pending at the Uganda Land Commission due to unpaid fees collected since 2016.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)