Sandra Letio

PUBLIC FOOD SAFETY ALERT: Experts Warn of Dangerous Pesticide Residues on Tomatoes and Fresh Produce MAAIF, in partnership with CABI and KCCA, has today launched the second phase of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of pesticide residues on tomatoes and other fresh produce. The campaign, launched at Hotel Africana, Kampala, is being implemented under the theme “Wash Well, Eat Well, Stay Healthy.” The Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, represented by Mr. John Mwanja, Assistant Commissioner for Agro-Chemicals, urged farmers, traders, and consumers to adopt safe pesticide-use practices to protect public health. “Farmers should always read and follow pesticide label instructions before application and avoid contaminating harvested produce and also adhere to stipulated pre-harvest intervals of the pesticides in use. Some pesticides are highly hazardous and can pose serious health risks to consumers,” he emphasized. The PS further reiterated that MAAIF has established guidelines to regulate pesticide use and warned against the unsafe application of chemicals on fresh fruits and vegetables, noting that those who violate these regulations risk legal action. Running from November 2025 to February 2026, the campaign will build on the successes of the first phase, which featured the ‘Spray Smart, Eat Safe’ interactive radio programme on Radio Simba and Buddu. The initiative engaged communities through radio talk shows and audience polls focused on pesticide safety, food handling, and consumer awareness. The campaign seeks to improve knowledge and adoption of safe pesticide-use practices among farmers, agro-input dealers, traders, and consumers, promoting safer food systems and healthier communities across Uganda through a Social and Behavioural Change approach.