CSOs Push for Reforms to Implement Government’s Ban on Hazardous Agricultural Chemicals

Bukoto, Kampala— Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) advocating for sustainable agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection have welcomed the Government of Uganda’s decision to restrict and withdraw several hazardous agricultural chemicals and pesticides.

The move, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is seen as a significant step toward safeguarding public health, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agricultural trade.

During a press briefing held at SEATINI offices in Bukoto under the theme “Safeguarding Health, Environment and Market Access through Safe Agrochemical Management,” CSO representatives described the decision as a strong indication of government commitment to addressing growing concerns over chemical exposure.

David Kabanda, Executive Director of the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), emphasized consumer responsibility in addressing the issue. He urged Ugandans to reject agricultural produce suspected to contain harmful chemical residues, noting that substances such as Mancozeb pose serious health risks.

Kabanda also warned about the dangers of Atrazine, explaining that even minimal concentrations—such as 0.1 micrograms per liter—can contaminate groundwater and disrupt the human endocrine system, potentially reducing fertility.

Hebert Kafeero, Deputy Executive Director of SEATINI Uganda, cited scientific findings showing widespread pesticide contamination in water, food, air, and even human biological samples such as urine and breast milk. He noted that the presence of residues from highly hazardous pesticides—including some banned in their countries of origin—points to regulatory gaps that require stronger enforcement and farmer sensitization.

Kafeero further highlighted a sharp increase in pesticide use in Uganda, which rose from 2,990 tonnes in 2010 to 6,010 tonnes in 2022, with many of these chemicals classified as hazardous under international standards.

Gregory Olupot, a soil scientist from Makerere University, called for increased support for research into organic and safer alternatives to hazardous pesticides. He stressed that transitioning away from chemical-intensive agriculture requires sustained investment and collaboration between government, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Similarly, Laura Freda Orochi, Head of Programmes at Food Rights Alliance, underscored the need for inclusive dialogue across the agricultural value chain. She noted that farmers, traders, importers, and retailers must be involved in the transition process to ensure effective implementation without disrupting agricultural productivity.

While acknowledging Uganda’s commitments under international conventions and Article 39 of the 1995 Constitution—which guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment—the CSOs stressed that enforcement and implementation remain key challenges.

Call to Government MDAs

The CSOs urged various government institutions to take decisive steps to ensure effective implementation of the new measures. The Ministry of Agriculture was called upon to publish a national gazette detailing restricted and withdrawn pesticides, strengthen farmer training on integrated pest management, and support exporters in meeting sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

The Ministry of Finance was asked to increase funding for regulation, monitoring, and research into safer alternatives, while Parliament was urged to expedite the review and strengthening of pesticide control and food safety legislation.

Research institutions, including the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), were encouraged to invest in the development and dissemination of organic pesticides and agro-ecological innovations. The Office of the Prime Minister was also tasked with coordinating cross-sectoral implementation of agrochemical management policies.