I brought the idea to my fellow friends, Muslims and Christians, and I said we should make a co-op selling our coffee but as well as spreading peace in the world.

They were all so happy so we called it Mirembe, which means peace, Kawomera, which means that even our coffee must be of quality.

Then we made that cooperative.

— JJ Keki, founder & director, Peace Kawomera

That’s the “story” behind Mirembe Kawomera Coffee, stemming from JJ Keki’s dream. JJ Keki is a Ugandan coffee farmer who hit the streets, asking Muslim, Christian and Jewish neighbors to put aside their idealogical differences and create a great coffee with an even better cause.

In addition to the specialness of their message, these farmers also economically needed to gather and form a collective that could help them keep pace in an ever-changing market. With the help of Laura Wetzler from the US organization Kulana, this possibility became actualized.

At this point, Peace Kawomera Cooperative has over 750 members. Because of the collective power, they now sell directly to Thanksgiving Coffee Company and receive 4 times what they previously made. This has started a chain reaction in their community, as farmers are able to send their children to school, save money and reinvest.

It’s positive news indeed that something as simple as a cup of coffee can break down religious barriers and help a Ugandan community thrive.

Founder JJ Keiki and Son

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