Government Seeks Unified Agrochemical Regulator Under FARA Bill

Kampala, August 26, 2026 - The government has moved to overhaul agrochemical oversight through the proposed FARA Bill, a regulatory shift aimed at reducing institutional fragmentation and strengthening food safety controls.

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze told Parliament that the legislation is intended to streamline oversight, address gaps between existing agencies and protect public health. The proposal would strip the National Drug Authority and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards of parts of their agrochemical mandate.

The reform follows concerns that Uganda's food chain remains vulnerable to chemical contamination despite the Agricultural Chemicals (Control) Act of 2006. Weak monitoring and fragmented inspection systems have been blamed for allowing hazardous substances to persist in agricultural supply chains.

The bill has direct implications for agribusiness, exporters and food retailers, as tighter and more centralized regulation could raise compliance costs while improving market confidence in Ugandan produce.