Nine agrochemicals cleared for commercial agriculture, large-scale farmers

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Large-scale and commercial farmers in Uganda are now allowed to use nine previously deregistered agrochemicals under restricted conditions.

This is because large-scale farms have trained personnel on the proper use of agrochemicals, possess protective gear, and adhere to withdrawal periods that allow chemicals to clear from crops before harvesting.

The nine chemicals cleared for restricted use include Ametryn, Carbendazim, Chlorpyrifos, Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Indoxacarb, Mancozeb, Profenofos and Thiamethoxam.

According to the Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification, Dr Paul Mwambu, the chemicals were among the 18 agrochemicals previously deregistered by the ministry to protect farmers’ health, the environment, biodiversity and food safety.

He explained during the two-day CropLife Symposium, which draws to a close on Thursday (May 21) at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, that the nine chemicals were reconsidered following scientific review processes.

He said the review was triggered by emerging international scientific evidence and trade concerns related to potential risks posed by certain active ingredients in agrochemicals.

“Following technical review by the Agricultural Chemicals Control Technical Committee and final consideration by the Agricultural Chemicals Review Committee, Government has reached a decision to allow the use of nine of the 18 agro chemicals under strict usage for mainly commercial and large-scale farmers,” he said.

He added that the remaining agrochemicals remain phased out, including Alpha-cypermethrin, Atrazine, Butachlor, Carbofuran, Chlorothalonil, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Diuron and Propanil.

“These decisions are part of the government's obligation to ensure that only safe, effective, and internationally acceptable agricultural chemical products remain in circulation and use by farmers,” Mwambu explained.

Mwambu reiterated that regulatory compliance is a shared responsibility among government, manufacturers, formulators, distributors, agro-input dealers, farmers and industry associations.

He appealed to stakeholders, including private sector actors and industry associations, to continue engaging constructively with the Designated National Authority on agricultural chemicals in the spirit of transparency, compliance and partnership.

How the regulations will be implemented

Mwambu said that effective May 21, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries will no longer issue new import permits for the banned agrochemicals. The ministry will also not approve label extensions or repackaging applications.

Those who had already placed orders have been given 90 days to dispose of declared stocks under strict supervision and reporting to MAAIF.

Farmers who had already applied the banned chemicals are required to observe a 120-day withdrawal period from retail shelves.

“All dealers must remove phased-out products from open sale and submit stock reconciliation returns to the commissioner crop inspection and certification. While on the farm, has been given 180 days within discontinue field application of phased-out products and transition to approved safer alternatives,” Mwambu said.

The nine agrochemicals that remain phased out include Alpha-cypermethrin, Atrazine, Butachlor, Carbofuran, Chlorothalonil, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Diuron and Propanil.

What agro dealers should do

The ministry directed all licensed agrochemical dealers, repackagers, field agents, extension workers and farmers to immediately segregate phased-out products from active sale inventory, clearly communicate withdrawal timelines to farmers and out-grower schemes, stop promotional campaigns or field demonstrations involving phased-out molecules, return unsold stocks through authorised reverse logistics channels where required, and maintain traceability records for all restricted products, among other measures.

Farmers were advised to consult district and sub-county agricultural extension officers, crop inspectors and licensed agronomists before substituting withdrawn products.

Uganda’s alignment with global SPS and residue standards

Mwambu further explained that the regulatory action demonstrates Uganda’s commitment to aligning with international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) obligations, Codex residue principles, emerging scientific evidence and destination market maximum residue limit (MRL) requirements, particularly for the European Union, Middle East and other premium export markets.

“By proactively reviewing molecules associated with heightened health, environmental, and trade risks, Uganda continues to strengthen confidence in its food systems, protect public health, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard market access for coffee, horticulture, cereals, pulses, and fresh produce exports,” Mwambu explained.

No compromise on illegal or unsafe practices

He further warned that unauthorised repackaging, misleading labelling, illegal importation, sale of unregistered products, adulteration, counterfeit agrochemicals or non-compliance with stewardship directives would attract firm administrative and legal action.

Expected disciplinary measures include suspension or cancellation of licences, product seizure and market withdrawal, intensified facility inspections, enforcement notices, corrective action directives, and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Stakeholders welcomed the move and called for self-regulation, especially among members of CropLife, which includes importers, distributors and manufacturers of agrochemicals at both global and regional levels.

Dr Agnes Mbabazi, the chairperson of CropLife Uganda, said the banned chemicals do not necessarily cause cancer but were prohibited for other reasons.

She pledged that CropLife Uganda would sensitise stakeholders on which chemicals are banned and which are permitted under strict guidelines.