Kisoro Agro-Dealers Under Spot as MAAIF Seizes Suspect Chemicals

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has conducted a law enforcement operation targeting agrochemical shops in Kisoro Municipality, where 25 shops were inspected and between 70 to 80 metric tonnes of agrochemical products confiscated.

The operation, carried on April 16, 2026, was led by Agricultural Inspector George Wandera, alongside other officials from the ministry and the Uganda Police Force.

A portion of the confiscated products was taken to Kisoro Municipality offices, while the bulk was transported to the ministry headquarters in Kampala to serve as evidence and to allow for further investigations by the ministry stores.

The move is aimed at addressing irregularities affecting the agricultural sector across the country

Among the items confiscated were 15 metric tonnes of smuggled inorganic fertilizers, 15 metric tonnes of pesticides—some expired and others repackaged and 30 metric tonnes of Mancozeb that had been repackaged and distributed by unregistered agro-input dealers.

Other products included those from Osho Kenya.

Wandera confirmed the confiscation, noting that the increasing smuggling of agrochemicals into the country has negatively impacted the ministry’s efforts, especially since some of the products are not verified and end up misleading the public.

Wandera emphasized the need for agro-input dealers to be properly trained so they can provide accurate information to farmers. He added that all products must be registered and should not be counterfeit.

He further noted that the ministry has established regional offices and those enforcement operations will be ongoing, urging both dealers and farmers to comply with the regulations.

Meanwhile, the Senior Agricultural Officer for Kisoro Municipality, Manirakiza Papius, called on agro-input traders to adhere to ministry regulations and ensure they are fully registered with the municipal agricultural department.

He also advised farmers to be vigilant and informed when purchasing agrochemical products to avoid being mislead

Some agrochemical traders welcomed the operation but urged the ministry to strengthen controls at entry points especially on boarders to prevent counterfeit products from entering the country, noting that many are imported.