On January 5th, 2025, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including SEATINI, CONSENT, CEFROHT, PELUM-Uganda, ESAFF, CARITAS among others convened at SEATINI Offices in Bukoto to address the increasing concerns on the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Uganda. These chemicals, often referred to as “Silent Killers,” pose significant threats to human health, environment, biodiversity and food security.
According to the agrochemical register at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda has legally registered 115 active pesticide ingredients presented in 669 brands. Alarmingly, 47.8% of these active ingredients and 68.6% of the brands qualify as Highly Hazardous Pesticides, based on the Pesticide Action Network criteria. Shockingly, 65.5% of these HHPs are not approved for use in the European Union (EU), where stringent regulations safeguard consumer health and the environment.
These HHPs are linked to numerous adverse effects, including:
• Mutagenic properties: Have the ability to alter DNA through genetic mutations.
• Carcinogenic risks: Have the ability to cause cancer.
• Toxicity to bees: Threatens essential pollinators critical for agriculture.
• Fetal if inhaled: Endanger the lives of farmers and communities and may lead to death when inhaled.
• Reproductive toxicity: Affects reproductive health.
• Endocrine disruption: Interferes with hormonal systems.
A Call to Protect Biodiversity and Food Security
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Bwambale Bernard, Head of Programs at CONSENT, highlighted the urgent need for action:
"Highly toxic chemicals are destroying bees and other pollinators, threatening biodiversity and the very foundation of our agriculture. Without pollination, our food systems collapse. The continued use of carcinogenic pesticides—linked to DNA damage and cancer—poses a grave public health crisis. Farmers, mothers, and children are inhaling these silent killers daily. We must act now to protect biodiversity, food security, and public health."
The Public Health Crisis Unfolding
Dr. Giregon Olupot, a Clinical Scientist, emphasized the alarming health risks associated with HHPs: "Chemicals like glyphosate mimic DNA structures, causing cancer and birth defects. Agriculture was once a tool for humanity’s common good, but corporate greed has turned it into a battleground for profit at the expense of health, biodiversity, and food security. We cannot ignore these risks any longer."
A Unified Call for Government Action
• In response to the dangers posed by HHPs, the CSOs issued a collective call to the Ugandan government to:
• Ban the importation of Highly Hazardous Pesticides to safeguard human health and ecosystems.
• Strictly regulate the importation, handling, storage, distribution, and use of pesticides.
• Invest in research and innovation to develop sustainable pest and disease management alternatives.
• Launch mass awareness campaigns to educate farmers and consumers on the optimal use of pesticides and their alternatives.
Strengthening oversight and regulation
Mr. Herbert Kafeero, Programs and Communications Manager at SEATINI Uganda, stressed the importance of regulatory oversight:
"Every agro shop in trading centers is operated by 'experts' with no oversight. Hazardous pesticides are destroying our health and economy. Uganda needs stronger inspections and funding for regulatory bodies. These pesticides are not silent, they are loud killers. They poison our food, damage trade opportunities, and threaten food security. Uganda must enforce stronger regulations now."
Aligning with Global Standards
Mr. Grace Bwengye, Head of the Agro-Industrialization Program at the National Planning Authority, underscored the need for compliance with EU standards to protect Uganda’s export markets:
"The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries must step in to ensure compliance with European Union standards, as that is our primary market. If it is determined that certain chemicals leave toxic residues in food products, regulatory bodies must take decisive action to address the issue."
Conclusion
The unchecked use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Uganda poses significant risks to human health, the environment, and trade opportunities. CSOs are urging the government to take immediate action to ban these chemicals, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and invest in sustainable agricultural practices to secure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
