Parliament Considering Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill

BFM Radio News: Parliament is considering the Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, 2026, which was tabled by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, during plenary on 25 August 2026.

The Bill seeks to establish a unified regulatory framework for veterinary medicines and equipment, agricultural chemicals and application equipment, food and animal feed.

It proposes tougher penalties for individuals who manufacture, distribute, import, export or sell falsified or adulterated agricultural chemicals and equipment. Those convicted could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to Shs100 million, or both.
The Bill also seeks to prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, exportation or sale of agricultural chemicals that are not registered by the proposed Authority.

In addition, the legislation proposes tighter regulation of cooked food businesses. Restaurants, bars, food stalls and markets would be required to maintain proper ventilation and protect food from rats, vermin and other contamination.

It would also prohibit people from living or sleeping in rooms where cooked food intended for public consumption is stored or sold, with offenders facing a fine of up to Shs26 million, imprisonment for up to 12 years, or both.

Tumwebaze says the proposed Authority would help address fragmented regulation by multiple agencies, strengthen enforcement and improve the safety and quality of Uganda's food and agricultural products.
The Bill is now subject to parliamentary scrutiny and consideration by the relevant committees before it can proceed to the next stages of the legislative process.