Ministry officials close 30 agro-chemical shops over fake inputs, health risks
According to Okello, the operation is part of a broader, synchronised national exercise timed to coincide with the onset of the farming season.
Shadidah Nabakooza (left), an attendant at Rwenkanja Farm Supply in Biharwe town, Mbarara City North, sorting unlicensed and expired agricultural products in a shop as Okello Patrick, an Agricultural Inspector from MAAIF’s Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, takes records during the crackdown on Friday. (Photos by Fred Turyakira)
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The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has shut down over 30 agro-chemical shops following inspections in five districts in western Uganda, citing counterfeit agricultural inputs, licensing violations and health risks.
Okello Patrick, an agricultural inspector from MAAIF's Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, told New Vision on October 3, 2026, that the national enforcement operation aims to weed out counterfeit agricultural inputs and protect farmers from financial losses.
The regional crackdown, which covered Lyantonde, Ibanda, Mbarara, Rukiga and Ntungamo, targeted more than 50 agro-input shops. About 30 shops were closed and sealed for operating without valid licences, selling unregistered products or employing untrained attendants.
Among the shops closed were Rwenkanja Farm Supply in Biharwe town, Mbarara City North Division, where inspectors found expired inputs and unregistered products.
Shillah Farm Supply, also in Biharwe, was closed after inspectors found that its owner, who had studied nursing, was operating an agro-input business.
In Rutooma town, Mbarara district, inspectors found an attendant sleeping inside Abamwe Farm Solutions, which they said was not allowed. In Rubindi town, another shop was found with an attendant who had a baby with her, which inspectors said posed a health risk to the child.
Shadidah Nabakooza (right), an attendant at Rwenkanja Farm Supply in Biharwe town, Mbarara City North and MAAIF officials loading expired agricultural products in a shop during the crackdown on counterfeit agro-inputs on Friday.
The other shops were closed for operating without valid licences or having untrained attendants.
According to Okello, the operation is part of a broader, synchronised national exercise timed to coincide with the onset of the farming season.
"Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda, and there is an ongoing public outcry," Okello said. "Our farmers are losing value for money because of counterfeit products on the market. MAAIF organises these enforcement activities at the onset of every season to audit what input dealers are supplying."
Health violations
Beyond regulatory and licensing violations, the enforcement team uncovered health concerns, including cases where chemical storage premises were also being used as living quarters.
Training but no licences
MAAIF noted a trend in which some dealers comply with technical training requirements but fail to obtain the necessary licences.
While nearly 100% of the shop attendants visited had completed the mandatory one-week safe use and pesticide application certificate, almost all the defaulting premises lacked an operational licence from the ministry.
The ministry also found that a significant number of dealers were selling unregistered chemical products that are banned or unauthorised in Uganda.
The enforcement team bypassed the centre of Mbarara city, citing data showing high levels of compliance there, and instead targeted the city's outskirts and surrounding districts.
Penalties and vetting
Under the Agricultural Chemicals Control Act of 2006, implemented in 2007, it is a criminal offence to sell, repack, import or export agricultural chemicals without a licence.
Violators face up to two years in prison or a fine of 120 currency points.