Abudu Kadamibi 30 years old, Muslim, joined Peace Kawomera in 2004
Photo: Holly Moskowitz, 2009
What does Peace Kawomera mean to you?
Peace Kawomera is an organization that produces delicious drinks and brings peace between different religions. The coffee connects farmers with consumers. Peace Kawomera links Ugandans to Americans.
What was life like before Peace Kawomera?
Life was not moving well because we were poor. But Peace Kawomera came and life has changed from a life of poverty to a life that is OK.
What has been the greatest change in your life since joining Peace Kawomera?
Peace Kawomera has brought relations between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Now the relationships are there and we share.
How was interfaith life before Peace Kawomera formed?
Before the Peace Kawomera Cooperative formed, we used to share some ideas. Now there is more effort to share and be much more close than before.
Can you give an example of how Peace Kawomera has changed the way one religious group treats another religious group in this area?
Muslims, Christians and Jews respect each other and the founder of Peace Kawomera is a Jew. We all respect each other and take our coffee to the cooperative as a unit.
How many children live in your house?
6
What does Fair Trade mean to you?
There is no cheating. You get paid for what you bring to the cooperative. Producers and consumers are all in this together. The extra money helps to pay for school fees as well.
What are your hopes for the future?
Peace Kawomera shouldn’t stop growing because the children shouldn’t suffer in the way they did before. The cooperative should continue to develop and expand to help many more.