Incumbent, Emmy Sayekwo, retained his post as the chairperson of the Sebei-Elgon Co-operative Union (SECU) after comfortably trouncing his five opponents on Friday.

In what was a coveted race, Sayekwo garnered a staggering number of 123 votes out of 216 eligible voters who hailed from within the Sebei sub-region.

Each of the 72 societies in Sebei was represented by three delegates.

Stephen ‘Hero’ Sabila was Sayekwo’s closest opponent with 82 votes, while Moses Kubarika, George Kiprotich, Issa Satya and Kassim Lamin trailed.

George Kiprotich lost in his bid to become SECU chair. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

The election took place at the Union’s factory hall in Kapchorwa town with general calm registered throughout the polls.

It was officiated by the line Ministry of Trade, Industries and Cooperatives in conjunction with Justin Jims Yeko, Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer and her counterparts of Kween and Bukwo. 

They plausibly commended the candidates and delegates for upholding peace before, during and after the election. 

Justin Jims Yeko, the Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer commended the Friday election as free and fair. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

Having victoriously shaken off the crowded race he was embroiled in the last few weeks, Sayekwo will hope to continue steering SECU to greatness.

In this new term of office, 2022-2026, the seasoned farmer has promised to revamp the once bee-hive of activity facility supporting farmers in the region.

The experienced successful businessman is deploying a bottom-to-top approach to attain cohesion, effectiveness and sustainability in SECU’s leadership.

In his preceding tenure, perhaps commendably, Sayekwo oversaw the recovery of the Union plots in town (Kapchorwa) though some matters are still before court.

Incumbent Sayekwo garnered the higest number of votes to remain in office for his second term. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

His administration also paid most of the creditors and some former staff who were demanding money worth sh200m.

He also managed to ensure Sironko factory land was recovered and renewed its lease.

Soyekwo has also purchased a Fuso truck to ease the transportation of raw materials to the factory and ferry packaged products to the market.

Sayekwo’s priorities

A hilly mountain of tasks awaits Sayekwo’s administration in his second term at the helm of an already struggling entity.

Sebei Elgon Cooperative Union prides in one of the world's best coffee which usually attracts and thrills tourists. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

Nonetheless, the flamboyant farmers’ union leader has already shared with New Vision some of the key areas he will focus on.

He wants to develop a modern hotel inside Kabyoyon farm in Bukwo district.

Boast capacity of maize mill and coffee value addition to meet the current demand.

They also expect to create 100 formal jobs up from the current 12 and over 1000 informal jobs for the unemployed youths in and around Sebei.

To come into office, Sayekwo replaced retired army officer Captain Juma Seiko.

Founded in 1923, the Sebei-Elgon Co-operative Union currently majors in coffee, barley and maize on a small scale.