agriculture 25 August 2026 Parliament of Uganda
New Bill Aims to Regulate Agricultural Inputs in Uganda
Uganda's Parliament has received a new bill aimed at regulating the production, sale, and distribution of agricultural inputs, including veterinary medicines and chemicals. The legislation seeks to combat counterfeit products and improve food safety and export standards. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4577/bill-regulate-manufacture-and-sell-agricultural-inputs-tabled
The Ugandan government is taking steps to enhance the quality and safety of agricultural products through a new piece of legislation. The Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, 2026, was recently presented to Parliament by the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze.
This proposed law intends to bring order to the manufacture, distribution, importation, and supply of crucial agricultural inputs. This includes veterinary medicines, veterinary devices, agricultural chemicals, and the equipment used for their application.
A primary objective of the bill is to address the growing problem of counterfeit and substandard products flooding the market. The presence of such items has been linked to increased pest and disease outbreaks, posing a significant threat to the nation’s agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the bill highlights concerns about the presence of harmful residues and contaminants, like aflatoxins and heavy metals, in food products. This not only compromises consumer health and safety but also negatively impacts Uganda’s ability to export agricultural goods, as these contaminants affect the integrity of the products.
The proposed legislation also seeks to streamline the often fragmented regulatory landscape. Currently, multiple agencies are involved in overseeing different aspects of food and agricultural inputs, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of coordinated enforcement.
By establishing a dedicated Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority, the bill aims to ensure consistent standards, promote clean agricultural practices, and boost consumer confidence. It is anticipated that the successful implementation of this act will lead to improved public health, enhanced market access for Ugandan exports, and increased profitability for stakeholders in the food value chain.
The Speaker, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has referred the bill to the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for further processing, with a mandate to report back to the House within 45 working days.