Dan Kasakya 55 years old, Protestant, joined Peace Kawomera in 2004
Photo: Holly Moskowitz, 2009
What does Peace Kawomera mean to you?
Peace Kawomera brought all religions and tribes together because at first you had a parted Uganda with politics. The government removed the cooperatives. Now with Peace Kawomera we sell coffee together.
What was life like before Peace Kawomera?
Life was difficult before the cooperative. We were selling at a low price to anyone who came by. Now we sell directly to the Peace Kawomera Cooperative.
What has been the greatest change in your life since joining Peace Kawomera?
Now I sell my coffee and I get a good price—not like it was before. Now we clean our coffee very well and it is organic. It gives us another reason to be clean.
Did you face any religious discrimination before Peace Kawomera formed?
We were ok before, but now we are together. Now I can sit with an Imam and we can preach together.
How many children live in your home?
18
What does Fair Trade mean to you?
Fair Trade helps us with the bonus. I can pay school fees and help my body. You can’t pay fees if you are starving. Being homeless doesn’t help either, so Fair Trade helps a great bit.
What are your hopes for the future?
I wish to continue with the cooperative and Fair Trade. The whole country will benefit from Fair Trade coffee, and our children will be ok, not like before.