Experts have called for tougher regulation of highly hazardous pesticides in Uganda, warning that weak enforcement, inadequate laboratory testing and limited access to safety information could expose consumers and farmers to dangerous chemicals.
The experts also want pesticide manufacturers and importers held accountable, with labels translated into local languages to help farmers understand the risks associated with the products they use.
The concerns were raised during the National Dialogue on Phasing Out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) and Advancing Agroecology in Uganda, where stakeholders called for stronger safeguards and a shift towards safer agricultural practices.
Dr David Kabanda, founder of the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights Uganda (CEFROHT), said African countries needed stronger regulations and accountability for companies involved in producing and selling dangerous chemicals.
“Africa cannot continue to be treated as a dumping ground for dangerous chemicals. We need stronger regulations, effective enforcement, and accountability for companies that manufacture and sell these products,” Kabanda said.
He cited research reportedly conducted by Makerere University School of Public Health in 2019, which found that 86 per cent of food sampled in major markets was contaminated with pesticide residues.
“In 2019, research by Makerere University School of Public Health reportedly found that 86% of food sampled in major markets was contaminated with pesticide residues. This is alarming because these are the same markets where millions of Ugandans buy food every day. We must strengthen our laws, invest in laboratory testing and enforce regulations to protect public health,” he said.
Kabanda called for pesticide labels to be written in languages understood by communities in which the products are sold, arguing that farmers need clear information about chemical hazards, safe handling and proper use.
He also threatened to pursue legal action in local and international courts against those involved in producing and importing highly hazardous pesticides, mutagens and carcinogens. He cautioned politicians against protecting those involved in the trade and urged Ugandans to unite to demand accountability.
Ribon Okot Musoga, a senior nutrition officer at CEFROHT, warned that exposure to highly hazardous pesticides could damage vital organs, cause reproductive health complications and pose risks to pregnant women and developing babies.
“We need more research, stronger regulation and better protection for farmers, pregnant women and children. Protecting people from harmful chemicals is an investment in Uganda’s future,” Musoga said.
The dialogue also explored agroecology as an alternative to farming systems that depend heavily on hazardous pesticides, with discussions focusing on safer pest management, environmental protection and healthier food systems.
Luwero District Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya, a member of Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, pledged Parliament’s support for the proposed interventions and launched the National Joint Agroecology Strategy on Ending Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Uganda.
“As Parliament, we are committed to supporting this strategy. Anytime you need us, we are here; you’re welcome, and we’re ready to move forward with you.
“You can’t invest heavily in seeds and tools without increasing funding and enforcing a strict policy for this programme.
“It’s now my honour to officially launch the National Joint Agroecology Strategy on Ending Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Uganda,” Nabukenya said.
She stressed that increased funding and strict policy enforcement would be necessary to ensure the strategy achieves its objectives.
The stakeholders called for coordinated action to strengthen pesticide regulation, protect vulnerable populations and support farmers to adopt safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.