Experts have cautioned farmers, traders and consumers against the unsafe use of pesticides on tomatoes and other fresh produce, warning that chemical residues on food could pose serious risks to human health.
The warning comes as the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), in partnership with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), launches the second phase of a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting responsible pesticide use and safe food-handling practices.
The campaign, launched at Hotel Africana in Kampala, is being implemented under the theme, “Wash Well, Eat Well, Stay Healthy.”
The Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, represented by the Assistant Commissioner for Agro-Chemicals, John Mwanja, urged farmers to strictly follow pesticide application guidelines to minimise chemical contamination of agricultural produce.
“Farmers should always read and follow pesticide label instructions before application and avoid contaminating harvested produce and also adhere to stipulated pre-harvest intervals of the pesticides in use. Some pesticides are highly hazardous and can pose serious health risks to consumers,” Mwanja said.
He said MAAIF had established guidelines to regulate pesticide use and cautioned farmers against indiscriminate application of chemicals on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Mwanja further warned that individuals who violate established regulations risk facing legal action, urging farmers, agro-input dealers and traders to prioritise food safety and comply with approved pesticide-use procedures.
Running from November 2025 to February 2026, the campaign seeks to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of safer pesticide-use practices among farmers, agro-input dealers, traders and consumers.
It builds on the first phase of the initiative, which featured the Spray Smart, Eat Safe interactive radio programme broadcast on Radio Simba and Buddu.
Through radio talk shows and audience polls, the first phase engaged communities on pesticide safety, proper food handling and consumer awareness, providing a platform for discussions on the risks associated with unsafe chemical use in agriculture.
The second phase will adopt a Social and Behavioural Change approach to encourage responsible pesticide application, safer handling of fresh produce and informed consumer practices.
By targeting different actors along the food supply chain, the initiative seeks to strengthen awareness of pesticide-related risks, promote compliance with safety guidelines and encourage practices that protect both farmers and consumers.
The campaign is expected to contribute to safer food systems, improved consumer protection and healthier communities across Uganda.
