Continued Use of Agrochemicals Fuels Rise in NCD-Related Deaths: Time to Crack the Whip

KAMPALA—  Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising at an alarming rate in Uganda, with poor-quality diets now the leading cause of disease worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Uganda, NCDs account for an estimated 33% of all deaths.

The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on NCDs reports a dramatic increase in the number of Ugandans living with these diseases, with a 21% probability of dying between the ages of 30 and 70 from the four major NCDs. This surge is linked to unhealthy diets stemming from a food system increasingly reliant on agrochemicals.

Alarming Increase in Pesticide Use

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows Uganda’s pesticide import value skyrocketed from $5 million in 1990 to $30–35 million by 2010. The toxicity of these products, coupled with poor handling practices, continues to pose severe environmental and health risks. A 2019 study by the Uganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH) found that up to 94% of food samples in Ugandan markets contained detectable pesticide residues.

In some cases, as many as eight different pesticide residues were detected in tomatoes sold in major markets. Vendors reportedly prefer selling produce with visible chemical residues, claiming pesticides like Mancozeb extend shelf life. Many farmers even spray crops on the day of sale to enhance appearance—a practice that heightens consumer exposure to harmful chemicals.

Scientists at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) warn that unless immediate action is taken, the misuse of agrochemicals will become a public health time bomb.

The Link Between Food Systems and Healthy Diets

The Ministry of Health recommends diets low in sugar, fat, and salt, urging Ugandans to consume more safe fruits, vegetables, whole foods, and water while avoiding highly processed foods and sugary beverages. However, achieving this requires a sustainable food system where production aligns with nutritional safety.

Sustainable agriculture involves responsible management of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems while improving farmers’ livelihoods. Yet, weak enforcement of regulations has led to rampant fraud in the agrochemical sector—from wholesale importers to rural agro-shops—exposing farmers and consumers to fake and hazardous chemicals.

Weak Oversight and Rising Risks

The Annual Agricultural Survey (2018) revealed that 21% of agricultural households use agrochemicals, with usage growing at 17% annually. This trend directly correlates with increasing chemical residues in food, undermining food safety.

Experts emphasize the need for stringent law enforcement across food supply chains to safeguard human health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Adopting a rights-based approach to food security—ensuring availability, affordability, accessibility, and safety—is critical.

Call to Action

To address this crisis, the government must:

1. Enforce Existing Laws: Fully implement the Plant Health Act and Agriculture (Chemicals) Act, including stricter regulations on chemical use and robust public awareness campaigns.
2. Strengthen Environmental Policies: Enhance climate adaptation and mitigation measures in food supply chains by promoting sustainable farming.
3. Support Farmers: Invest in agriculture, helping smallholders adopt eco-friendly practices and diversify production for healthier diets while ensuring fair incomes.
4. Empower Women and Youth: Improve access to resources, training, and markets while involving them in decision-making under human rights-based frameworks like the PANTHER principles.

Without urgent intervention, Uganda’s unchecked agrochemical dependency will continue to drive NCD-related deaths, placing an unsustainable burden on public health and the economy.

By Jonathan Lubega