By Uziah Tusaasire
Cabinet has approved the Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening regulation of food, agricultural inputs, and veterinary products in Uganda.
According to the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Kasule Lumumba, the proposed law seeks to address gaps created by shared regulatory responsibilities between the National Drug Authority (NDA) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
The new authority, once established, will oversee the regulation of veterinary medicines, vaccines, veterinary devices, veterinary cosmetics, laboratory supplies, reagents, agricultural chemicals, food, and animal feeds.
The government says the legislation is expected to improve safety standards for food and feeds produced locally and imported into Uganda, while ensuring agricultural and veterinary products on the market are of good quality, safe, and effective.
The Bill is also expected to help Uganda’s agricultural exports meet local, regional, and international standards, increasing competitiveness in global markets.
Cabinet outlined several expected benefits, including improved human, animal, and plant health, increased consumer confidence, protection against counterfeit products, expanded market opportunities for agricultural exports, and increased incomes for players in the food value chain.
