Cabinet Approves Agriculture And Food Systems Regulatory Bill 2026:New Law To Merge Eight Agricultural Laws And Boost Food Safety.560 Ugandans Have So Far Been Evacuated From S.A – Lumumba.
Cabinet has approved the Agriculture and Food Systems Regulatory Bill, 2026, a landmark reform that seeks to streamline Uganda's agricultural regulatory framework by consolidating eight existing laws into a single legal framework. Government says the proposed law will strengthen food safety, improve market access and accelerate agricultural commercialisation.
Cabinet has approved the Agriculture and Food Systems Regulatory Bill, 2026, paving the way for The government most significant reforms in Uganda's agricultural sector.
The Bilaccess,s to repeal and consolidate ecommercialization. governing agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and crop production into a single legal framework aimed at improving regulation, coordination, and service delivery.
The government says the existing laws have become outdated, resulting in duplication of roles, regulatory gaps, and inefficiencies that have affected agricultural productivity and market competitiveness.
The proposed legislation will regulate food production and processing; animal health and welfare; crop production; fisheries; forestry; and the development of key cash crops, including coffee, tea, cocoa, and cotton.
According to the cabinet, the new legal framework will strengthen food safety standards, improve compliance with international requirements, and enhance Uganda's access to regional and global markets.
The government says the reforms will also promote value addition, increase farmers' incomes, eliminate overlapping institutional mandates, and support efforts to commercialize agriculture.
The Agriculture and Food Systems Regulatory Bill, 2026, will now be tabled before Parliament for consideration, with the government expressing confidence that the proposed reforms will strengthen agricultural regulation, enhance food security, and improve Uganda's competitiveness in regional and international markets.
Meanwhile, the minister announced that Uganda has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of South-South Cooperation.
She also revealed that Uganda will host the South-South Cooperation Summit in September, bringing together countries to strengthen partnerships that promote sustainable development, knowledge sharing, and shared economic growth.
On the repatriation of Ugandan citizens from South Africa, Lumumba said 560 Ugandans have so far been evacuated following escalating xenophobic violence.
She added that the government is working with relevant authorities to facilitate the return of more Ugandans who have expressed willingness to come back home.
