Kamuli, Uganda: An intensified crackdown by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has uncovered large quantities of counterfeit agro-inputs in Busoga Region, exposing a widespread threat that farmers say has for years contributed to poor harvests, financial losses, and risks to public health.
The operation, conducted by the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification (DCIC) during a regional capacity-building workshop in Kamuli, resulted in the seizure of two pickup loads of fake and unregistered agro-inputs from agro-dealer shops in Kamuli and surrounding districts.
Officials revealed that some of the products were fraudulently labelled, while others contained substances such as liquid soap repackaged and sold as agricultural growth stimulants, including products falsely marketed as Super Grow. Several expired agrochemicals were also recovered during the inspections.
The discoveries shocked farmers and stakeholders attending the training, many of whom admitted they had unknowingly purchased and used counterfeit products that failed to improve crop yields.
“We seriously needed this awareness as early as yesterday because farmers have been buying these counterfeit products and blaming themselves, thinking they were not applying them properly, yet they were simply fake products sold by people interested in making money and destroying farming businesses,” said Ms. Namulondo Shadia, a farmer from Namasagali. “These are killers,” she added.
The awareness programme brought together farmers, extension workers, agro-input dealers, Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries, and local government leaders. Participants received training on pesticide safety, agrochemical handling, counterfeit product identification, labelling requirements, and the use of registered agricultural inputs.
Delivering the keynote address, Kamuli Assistant Resident District Commissioner Mr. Michael Museebe described counterfeit agro-inputs as a dangerous form of corruption that undermines agricultural productivity and threatens public safety.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to national development. However, farmers face a major challenge of counterfeit and substandard agro-inputs, fake pesticides, fertilizers, seeds and veterinary products, which not only reduce agricultural productivity but also threaten human health, livestock and the environment,” Museebe said.
He noted that decentralizing inspection services has strengthened collaboration between regulators, district authorities, security agencies, farmer groups and community leaders, enabling quicker detection and response to illegal products.
Kamuli District Production Officer Mr. James Kunya said the decentralization of DCIC services has brought regulatory oversight closer to farmers and dealers, making enforcement more effective.
“Bringing regulatory services closer to the people yields tangible results. As farmers become better informed and counterfeit products become increasingly difficult to market, the future of Uganda’s agriculture looks brighter than ever,” Kunya said.
“Through improved inspection, increased farmer awareness, and promotion of safe agrochemical practices, Uganda is taking important steps toward a more productive, sustainable and resilient agricultural sector,” he added.
Officials from MAAIF acknowledged that counterfeit agro-inputs remain one of the biggest challenges facing Uganda’s agricultural sector. They explained that the decentralization of the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification was specifically designed to strengthen surveillance, improve farmer education, and enhance reporting mechanisms.
“This strategic move has significantly strengthened surveillance, enforcement, farmer education, access to regulatory services and reporting mechanisms across the country,” ministry officials said.
“As a result, numerous counterfeit and unregistered agro-inputs have been intercepted before reaching farmers. Agro-input shops are now inspected more regularly, and dealers are increasingly aware that compliance with regulatory requirements is being closely monitored.”
The ministry also used the training to promote safe pesticide use, encouraging farmers to follow label instructions, observe recommended pre-harvest intervals, and avoid dangerous practices such as reusing pesticide containers for domestic purposes.
Agricultural extension workers welcomed the increased inspections but urged authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns and conduct more unannounced operations targeting unscrupulous dealers.
“Since this is a sensitive exercise, we should have impromptu and joint operations. Above all, with empowerment and awareness, farmers should be able to buy, use and apply agricultural inputs from an informed point of view,” said agricultural extension officer Mr. Paul Wangose.
The crackdown comes at a critical time when government is investing heavily in commercial agriculture through programmes such as the Parish Development Model. Experts warn that counterfeit agricultural inputs continue to undermine productivity, reduce farmers’ incomes and threaten Uganda’s efforts to transform agriculture into a driver of economic growth.
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