CEFROHT Threatens Legal Action Against EU Over Export of Banned Pesticides
- May 6, 2025
- Posted by: cefrohtadmin
- Category: Advocacy
Kampala, Uganda – The Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), a Ugandan civil society organization, has issued a stern legal notice to the European Union (EU) Delegation in Uganda, demanding immediate action to halt the export of pesticides banned in the EU to developing countries, including Uganda.
In a letter addressed to the EU Delegation, CEFROHT accused the bloc of “inconsiderate and inhuman” practices, citing a 2023 Pesticide Action Network (PAN) report that revealed over 7,000 tons of pesticides containing substances prohibited in the EU were exported globally in 2021. The organization highlighted that 449 pesticide brands containing 55 highly hazardous active ingredients (HHPs) were shipped to Uganda alone, as per a December 2024 report by the Food Safety Coalition Uganda.
Dr. Kabanda David, CEFROHT’s Executive Director, condemned the double standard, stating, “While the EU protects its citizens from these toxic chemicals, it continues to issue export licenses to countries like Uganda with weaker regulatory frameworks. This exposes our children, pregnant mothers, and farm workers to severe health risks, including cancer, violating their fundamental rights to life, health, and a clean environment.”
The letter invoked international human rights treaties and the EU’s own founding principles, calling the practice “contrary to the spirit of global brotherhood.” CEFROHT warned of impending legal action within 30 working days if the EU fails to take concrete steps to mitigate the issue.
The notice was copied to Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Attorney General’s Chambers, signaling a potential escalation to national and international legal forums.
The EU Delegation has yet to respond publicly to the allegations. Meanwhile, environmental and health advocates in Uganda are rallying behind CEFROHT, urging stricter enforcement of pesticide regulations to safeguard vulnerable communities.