Bukoola Chemicals Unveils Campaign On Fake Agro Chemicals In The Market

Bukoola Chemical Industries Unveils Campaign On Fake Agro-Chemicals In The Market

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news April 23, 2021

In a bid to fight fake Agro chemicals in the market, Bukoola Chemical Industries has unveiled new public campaign against fake Agro-chemicals.

Dr. Paul Mawanda Kyabaggu, Managing Director Bukoola Chemical Industries Ltd together with Fred Muwema, Director Legal at Anti Counterfeit Network officially launched “Protect Life…Twefeeko” campaign against agro-chemical counterfeit products in the market.

Mawanda says the campaign Protect aims at creating awareness about fake agro-chemical inputs in the market to manage and guarantee quality of stock, food security and health of the public.

According to him,Pesticide world market is worth approximately $45 billion compared to the African market that is reported to range between $1.5 to 2 billion, largely affecting farmers, exporters and the general public’s health.

“Most national associations in Africa report about 15 -20 % of their markets as being affected by illegal pesticides on the market while others suggest 40 – 80%. Egypt, West Africa, Uganda, Tanzania have been reported to be the hot spots for a thriving illegal pesticide market. This affects Farmers as it leads to loss and damage of crops making poor farmers poorer, high toxicity levels in the foods grown and Environmental issues. It is therefore vital that we tackle this issue head on to save our livelihoods and lives, ”Mawanda said.

He urged industry stakeholders to become more vigilant in purchasing, inspection and litigation of criminals attached to counterfeit pesticides.

“As farmers, there is need for more vigilance when purchasing the pesticides. Pay close attention to the quality markers and make sure you buy from trusted suppliers and report criminals to the authorities as soon as possible. Dealers also need to desist from the vice, ensure to source from official distributors, report criminals as well and check all received consignment for tamper proof. Government also needs to strengthen its surveillance, inspection and enforcement of the law against these criminals to fight the vice,” he said.

Bukoola Chemical Industries will be working in close partnership with the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN) to create awareness about illegal vs genuine pesticides across the country through various communication efforts.

ACN Director legal- Fred Muwema advised Agro dealers and the private sector to support the fight against counterfeits.

“No one can survive without eating food. By this I don’t mean any food. It is very important that we have safe food on the market. Unfortunately, counterfeit agro-inputs like herbicides and pesticides are poisoning our food and making it unsafe. It is the duty of every consumer to join this fight to ensure our collective health and survival, ” Muwema noted.

Muwema however said that ACN shall commence legal enforcement measures to prosecute culprits who shall be found to engage in counterfeiting of Bukoola products after expiry of 90 days grace period which begins today.

This campaign comes on hand Uganda bureau of standards prepares to enforce new law to fight fake solar products in the market.

According to winnie Onziru Unbs standards officer in charge of electricals 70% of solar products are substandard hence the standards body is enforcing new standards to save the market and consumers from making loses.

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