Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa Raises Concerns Over Importation of Potentially Harmful Pesticides to Uganda
Friday, October 27, 2023
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, has expressed concerns about the importation of pesticides that may be carcinogenic into Uganda. He questioned why such pesticides, banned in European Union (EU) countries, continue to be allowed into Uganda.
Mr. Tayebwa mentioned this issue during a plenary session, stating that he learned of the situation during an engagement with the European Union and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Joint Parliament Assembly. He pointed out that certain pesticides, known to have adverse health effects, are manufactured in the EU under the condition that they are not sold within the EU itself. Instead, they are intended for export to third-world countries like Uganda.
He emphasized that this issue had been raised at the EU level during the Joint Parliament Assembly, and even European Parliament members were concerned about it. He also noted that neighboring countries like Kenya have implemented measures to prevent the entry of such pesticides into their territory, highlighting the need for Uganda to take similar actions.
These concerns arose in the context of food safety, with Vice President Ms. Jessica Alupo urging the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, to intensify efforts to regulate and control acaricides, which are used in cattle farming and can potentially contaminate meat and milk products.
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks underscore the importance of addressing the potential risks associated with the importation and use of harmful pesticides in Uganda.
