Religious leaders urged to speak out against harmful agrochemicals

16 October 2025, 18:56

BY Clare Nayebare

Africa is increasingly becoming a dumping ground for more than 200 pesticides banned in the European Union. Despite being prohibited in Europe, these toxic chemicals are still exported, with approximately 10% shipped to African countries. In response, Broederlijk Delen (BD), in partnership with PELUM Association, Inades Formation, and the Food Safety Coalition Uganda (FOSCU), is calling for an end to both the export and import of these hazardous pesticides.

As the world marks World Food Day, religious leaders have been urged to reflect on the Sixth Commandment, “Do Not Kill,” and extend their preaching beyond violence involving weapons to also address indirect forms of killing, such as the growing use of highly hazardous agrochemicals that threaten human life.

The call was made yesterday by Miss Medias Bihunirwa, Head of Programmes at PELUM Association, a regional network of civil society organisations promoting sustainable agriculture among small-scale farmers in East and Southern Africa.

Speaking during an online discussion on X (formerly Twitter), themed “The Hidden Danger on Your Plate” and organised by the Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) ahead of World Food Day, Ms Bihunirwa expressed concern over the continued production of dangerous agrochemicals in Europe. She noted that while many of these chemicals are banned in Europe due to their toxicity, they are still exported and sold elsewhere, particularly in Africa.

According to Ms Bihunirwa, over 10% of pesticides banned in Europe—more than 200 types—are being sold across African countries. She questioned why the EU, which adopted a Chemical Strategy in 2020 to protect people and the environment, still allows companies to export hazardous products abroad, effectively making Africa a dumping ground.

She attributed this practice to profit motives by major agricultural powers, often at the expense of human and environmental health.

Ms Bihunirwa further highlighted that many small-scale farmers lack adequate information on the dangers of these chemicals, calling for increased awareness and advocacy both in exporting countries and among importers. She emphasised the need to promote sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices in Uganda and across the region.

Combining efforts against toxic pesticides

In addition to civil society organisations like PELUM Association, which have already submitted online petitions to the EU and African Union to halt the production, import, and export of toxic pesticides, Ms Bihunirwa appealed to religious leaders, who reach large audiences including farmers, to use their platforms to interpret the Sixth Commandment in the context of protecting life and the environment. She urged them to educate followers about the risks of toxic agrochemicals and join advocacy efforts against their production and sale.

Health and environmental threats

During the same engagement, Dr Bernard Bwambale, a renowned nutritionist and Head of Programs at the Global Consumers Center, warned that the increasing use of toxic pesticides contributes to serious health problems, including cancer, infertility, and miscarriages. He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen farmer training on the safe use of agrochemicals and to promote sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices.

Meanwhile, Mr Jonathan Lubega, a policy analyst, cautioned that failing to regulate the importation and use of hazardous agrochemicals could undermine Uganda’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2040. He added that continued registration and importation of such chemicals violates Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment. Mr Lubega urged the government to fully implement the Chemicals Act and the Agricultural Chemicals Control Act and to support agroecological practices for a safer and more sustainable future.

Ensuring food safety

ESAFF Uganda, in its Ensuring Food Safety report, warns that hazardous agrochemicals pose serious threats to human health, the environment, and food safety. Many chemicals used in Uganda are banned elsewhere but remain widespread due to weak regulation, poor farmer training, and the sale of counterfeits. Misuse and overuse of such chemicals result in contamination of food and ecosystems, endangering both farmers and consumers.

The organisation calls for the phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) and stricter enforcement of laws governing their distribution. Rooted in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants, ESAFF advocates for farmers’ right to be free from exposure to toxic substances and promotes agroecology as a safer, sustainable alternative. Through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and the promotion of organic certification and local markets, ESAFF Uganda champions the transition towards chemical-free farming systems that protect health, biodiversity, and livelihoods.