Civil society organisations have urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to issue a gazette notice detailing recalled and restricted pesticides, alongside clear compliance timelines and updates to the National Agrochemical Register.
The call was made during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute, where stakeholders raised concerns over gaps in regulation and enforcement within Uganda’s agrochemical sector.
The meeting brought together a coalition of civil society organisations, including SEATINI Uganda, Food Rights Alliance (FRA), Food Safety Coalition Uganda, Global Consumer Centre, PELUM Uganda, Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights, and Gender Environment and Development Action, among others.
Demand for transparency and enforcement
The organisations are specifically calling on MAAIF, through its Directorate of Crop Inspection and Certification, to publicly disclose a list of pesticides that have been recalled, banned, or restricted, arguing that the absence of such information exposes farmers, consumers, and the environment to potential harm.
They noted that while some harmful agrochemicals may have been withdrawn from use, the lack of formal gazettement and public awareness allows continued circulation and misuse in agricultural markets.
“We need clarity on which pesticides are no longer permitted and the timelines for compliance,” one of the civil society representatives said during the briefing. “Without this, enforcement becomes difficult and unsafe products remain in use.”
Concerns over public health and environment
The CSOs warned that unregulated or poorly monitored pesticide use poses significant risks to food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability.
They argued that farmers, particularly smallholders, often lack access to up-to-date regulatory information and may unknowingly use chemicals that are harmful or no longer approved.
The coalition emphasised that updating and publicising the National Agrochemical Register would not only enhance transparency but also strengthen accountability across the agricultural value chain.
The organisations further called for inclusive engagement between government agencies, civil society, farmers, and private sector actors to ensure effective implementation of pesticide regulations.
They stressed that a coordinated approach is necessary to promote safer alternatives, improve farmer awareness, and enforce compliance across the country.
A push for regulatory reform
The appeal comes amid increasing scrutiny of agrochemical use in Uganda, as stakeholders push for stronger regulatory frameworks to align with international food safety standards.
CSOs say gazettement of recalled and restricted pesticides would be a critical step in safeguarding both agricultural productivity and public health.
