Gov’t, Industry to Collaborate on Hazardous Agro-inputs

The government has explained the recent ban on some agricultural chemical inputs, saying the decision was reached after comprehensive studies and consultations. The early April 2026 notice by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to importers, dealers, and manufacturers, listed nine molecules it was banning immediately, and another nine which it put under restricted use. 

Following media reports on the developments, the Ministry says the agriculture sector and the business community were alarmed by what the ministry called alarmist and sensational reporting. Some of the targeted molecules are used in some of the most popular herbicides and pesticides in Uganda, but, according to reports, can lead to health and environmental effects if misused or mishandled. 

Dr. Paul Mwambu, the Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry, says the decision was taken after concerted research with the aim of not disrupting the industry and related businesses. 


Some of the concerns by the agriculture sector were that the government decision did not provide alternatives, while others queried why the ban was coming now, after decades of use of the same inputs. 

Dr Mwambu says when a product comes onto the market, it may take longer to show effects, and that therefore, studies had to be done in Uganda and other countries, as well as provide for the effects of the ban and restrictions before implementation. 

Nine chemicals were banned, while others were retained due to their exclusive importance despite the risks associated. Restricted use involves close monitoring, use on large plantations, and in areas that are far enough from other untargeted fields or crops. Dr Mwambu says that as the country looks for alternatives, the immediate approach is to ensure proper use from the time the chemical is acquired up to when the container is to be disposed of, so as to ensure safety, especially at the farm level.    


The commissioner expressed the need for a stronger regulatory environment amidst the emerging challenges to the agriculture sector. “Our sector is faced with several emerging challenges, ranging from the increasingly unpredictable climate and weather patterns, evolving pest pressures, and ever-changing and strict market requirements,” he says. 

He adds that the regulatory landscape has to evolve to be in tandem with “the evolving and changing science, embracing evidence-based product approvals, the ongoing regional input harmonisation efforts, and a risk rather than hazard approach, that guarantee better seed, fertiliser, and crop protection products to farmers without compromising the health and safety of humans and the environment.” 

He was speaking at the ongoing two-day symposium on the theme, “Emerging Trends in Crop Protection and Fertiliser Industry: embracing change and sustainability to ensure food security, health and safety,” organized by CropLife Uganda.