By BM
In a dramatic enforcement operation that has rocked Uganda’s agricultural supply chain, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa (ACN) and the Agriculture Police Unit, uncovered a large-scale counterfeiting racket at St. Jude Farm Supply in Container Village, Kampala.
At the heart of the operation is Mr. Juan Kato, a prominent agro-dealer who also serves as the Chairperson of Agro Input Dealers in Container Village, a role that has shocked many given the gravity of the offense.
Authorities estimate the value of the counterfeit products found on-site to be in excess of UGX 50 million.
“This is not just a case of a few fake products on a shelf. This is an orchestrated criminal enterprise,” said Charles Sendaza, an Agriculture Inspector from MAAIF’s Department of Crop Inspection and Certification. “We found fake seeds, fake fertilizers, fake herbicides all disguised to look like they came from reputable companies.”
The raid was conducted after a tip-off from ACN Africa and farmers who suspected that inputs purchased from the shop were underperforming.
Investigators say Kato was repackaging unknown or expired agrochemicals and seeds, applying forged branding from established companies such as Bupola, and distributing them across Kampala and surrounding districts.
Repeat Offender Now Facing Prosecution
This isn’t the first time Kato has faced scrutiny. According to authorities, this marks at least the third known case in which he has been implicated in the sale of counterfeit agro-inputs.
“He’s a repeat offender. We’ve previously cautioned and investigated him, but this time, we’re pushing for prosecution. Enough is enough,” Sendaza asserted.
Kato has since been handed over to the Uganda Police Force, with legal proceedings underway.
MAAIF officials confirmed they are working closely with the Bajo Police Unit and legal teams to ensure the case is not swept under the rug.
How the Scam Worked
The counterfeit scheme was reportedly sophisticated.
Labels were allegedly printed from places like Nasser Road, Kampala’s notorious hub for forgery and document fraud.
Fake agrochemicals many of them expired or unregistered were poured into reused containers, sealed, and branded to mimic genuine products.
Farmers believed they were purchasing legitimate inputs but instead received diluted or ineffective chemicals, with some cases allegedly resulting in crop failure or yield loss.
“Imagine a farmer using his last savings to buy inputs only for the product to be fake. This is robbery of the worst kind,” said Sendaza.
Products seized included faked green organic manure, Ametryn, Pico, Rocket, and other herbicides and fertilizers known to be in high demand among Ugandan farmers.
National Implications and Food Security Threat
Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of employment in Uganda, and the use of certified inputs is critical to ensuring food security.
Officials warn that counterfeiting not only drains the incomes of smallholder farmers but also risks reducing national crop productivity, distorting market prices, and undermining Uganda’s agricultural export credibility.
“We cannot allow criminal networks to exploit our farmers. These fake products threaten our entire food system,” Sendaza stressed.
Call to Action: Use Certified Dealers and Bleep App
ACN Africa is now urging farmers and agro-dealers to verify their sources and only buy from certified, licensed input suppliers.
Speaking at the scene, Trevor Igumba Sofatia, representing ACN Africa, introduced a digital solution: the Bleep App.
“Bleep is your direct line to report counterfeit products from seeds to cosmetics. If you suspect you’ve been sold a fake item, take a photo, upload it, and report it through Bleep,” Sofatia explained.
The Bleep App is available on Google Play Store and accessible via web at [www.bleep.ug](http://www.bleep.ug). iPhone users can access it through a browser-based version.
“This isn’t just an app, it’s a public safety tool,” Sofatia added. “We’ve had too many victims. It’s time the public takes part in policing these crimes.”
Ministry to Expand Surveillance and Enforcement
The Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to intensify surveillance operations across Uganda, especially in major agro-input markets like Container Village, Nakasero, Kisenyi, and regional trading hubs.
“We’re taking this seriously. We have increased inspections, and we’ll work with manufacturers, importers, and district agriculture offices to identify hotspots of counterfeit trade,” said Sendaza.
He also hinted at policy discussions to introduce heavier penalties for agro-input counterfeiting, including longer jail terms and revocation of business licenses.
Bottom Line: The expose of this counterfeit ring sends a strong message Uganda’s “agro-mafia” will no longer operate with impunity.
With millions of shillings and farmers’ futures at stake, enforcement bodies are now mobilizing for what could be a turning point in the war on fake farm inputs. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
