Uganda Bans Several Imported Farm Chemicals over Health Risks

Uganda has ordered the phase-out and restriction of several widely used agricultural chemicals, citing risks to human health, the environment and the country’s export competitiveness, the agriculture ministry said in a notice to CropLife Uganda and licensed dealers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) said the decision followed a scientific review by its Agricultural Chemicals Review Committee, which assessed “safety, trade and national interest concerns” linked to the chemicals.

“The regulatory actions and decisions are based on safety, trade and national interest concerns,” the ministry said in the communication.

Chemicals including alpha-cypermethrin, atrazine, butachlor, dimethoate and propanil will be phased out, with immediate bans on importation and full withdrawal expected between mid-2026 and the end of 2026.

Others will remain in use under strict controls. Imidacloprid will be limited to coffee pest control and seed treatment, carbendazim to cashew nuts, indoxacarb to tomatoes and brassica crops, while profenofos will be restricted to fall armyworm control in maize.

Fipronil will no longer be used in agriculture and will only be allowed for termite control in construction.

The ministry said the review found several of the chemicals posed serious risks, ranging from cancer and reproductive harm to environmental damage and threats to pollinators.

“Atrazine is considered an underground water contaminant… and an endocrine disruptor,” the committee said, adding it “causes reduced male fertility” and can lead to severe poisoning in humans.

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Dimethoate was described as “a probable mutagen and carcinogen” associated with neurodevelopmental and reproductive toxicity, while diuron was flagged as “a suspected human carcinogen” linked to organ damage.

The review also highlighted risks to bees, warning that chemicals such as thiamethoxam and imidacloprid are “toxic to pollinators,” a concern that has drawn global attention due to its impact on food production.

Alpha-cypermethrin was classified as “a serious water pollutant, toxic to bees and an endocrine disruptor,” underscoring environmental risks cited by regulators.

Officials said the measures were also aimed at protecting Uganda’s trade interests, noting that continued use of hazardous chemicals could affect access to export markets with strict residue limits.

Despite the crackdown, the ministry allowed continued use of some products such as mancozeb, saying it remains critical for controlling fungal diseases in key crops.

“There is no plausible effective alternative for mancozeb at the moment,” the committee said, adding the product will be monitored while industry identifies safer substitutes.

MAAIF urged agrochemical companies to comply immediately, including revising product labels and halting imports of banned substances.

“Kindly take note of the actions and decisions… and act accordingly,” the ministry said, adding it “appreciates your continued investment… as well as your understanding of the consequences associated with the above actions.”

The reforms mark one of Uganda’s most significant regulatory shifts in the agriculture sector, as authorities seek to balance farm productivity with public health, environmental protection and international trade standards.