Agrochemical Use Poses Significant Risk to Public Health in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda – The agricultural sector remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, serving as the primary source of livelihood for approximately 66% of the population. According to government statistics, the sector contributes 24.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and plays a crucial role in ensuring food and income security. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) reports that agricultural exports accounted for 72.9% of total exports in the 2016/17 financial year—a 36% increase from previous years.

However, the growing reliance on agrochemicals to combat pests and boost productivity is raising serious public health concerns. While Uganda’s agricultural system is largely organic by default, the Annual Agriculture Survey (AAS, 2018) revealed that agrochemical use reached 17% in 2018/19—a figure that continues to rise.

The Hidden Dangers of Agrochemicals

Human exposure to toxic agrochemical residues in food and the environment has led to severe health consequences, including fatalities. Globally, an estimated 300,000 people die each year from agrochemical-related poisoning, with the majority of cases occurring in developing countries. The unchecked availability of hazardous agrochemicals in Ugandan markets not only endangers lives but also violates constitutional rights—specifically, the right to life and the right to a clean and healthy environment, as enshrined in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.

The Glyphosate Controversy

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has come under intense scrutiny. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate-based chemicals as “probably carcinogenic.” Despite this, Uganda’s regulatory framework remains weak, failing to adequately govern the use, storage, disposal, and transportation of such chemicals.

Internationally, at least 10 countries, including Germany and Austria, have banned glyphosate, while 15 others impose strict restrictions. Legal battles have also ensued, most notably in the U.S., where manufacturers of glyphosate-based herbicides faced thousands of lawsuits alleging links to cancer. A landmark case in San Francisco resulted in an $11 billion settlement.

Economic Repercussions for Uganda

Uganda’s export sector is already feeling the impact of lax agrochemical regulations. In 2015, the country temporarily suspended hot pepper exports to Europe due to excessive pesticide residues. Similarly, in 2019, the European Union warned Uganda of a potential ban on agricultural imports if sanitary and phytosanitary standards—including pesticide residue limits—were not met. Such trade restrictions could lead to significant financial losses, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

A Call for Organic Alternatives

Experts are urging the Ugandan government to prioritize public health by enforcing stricter agrochemical regulations. Organic farming is being championed as a sustainable alternative, promoting soil health and environmental safety without the adverse effects of synthetic pesticides.

As the debate intensifies, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to safeguard both public health and the nation’s economic future. The question remains: Will Uganda act before it’s too late?