Cannabis growers cautioned over illicit operations

Cannabis investors who divert drugs will face action.

The government has warned medical cannabis and industrial hemp investors against diverting the controlled drugs into the illicit market, saying misuse of licences could increase access to cannabis outside authorised medical and industrial use.

The warning comes as the country moves to regulate the emerging cannabis industry, with authorities cautioning that cannabis grown for legitimate purposes could end up being abused if farmers and investors fail to follow strict controls.

Mr Juma Witonze Kisekka, the State minister for Internal Affairs, said operators who abuse licences, falsify records or divert controlled substances would face action under the law.

“We are ready to work with you so long as you comply with the regulations. The government recognises the potential of regulated medical cannabis and industrial hemp to contribute to innovation, investment, agricultural transformation, pharmaceutical development, employment and export diversification,” Mr Witonze said.

He added: “The government welcomes genuine investors and legitimate operators. However, those who abuse licences, falsify records, divert controlled substances or use the diversion of controlled substances as a cover for criminal activity will face appropriate action within the law.”

He was speaking during the Annual General Meeting of the Uganda Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cooperative Society in Naguru, Kampala on Friday last week.

The minister said Uganda was at an important stage in developing the medical cannabis and industrial hemp sector, but the industry must balance investment opportunities with public health and national security.

“Our shared responsibility is to build an industry that simultaneously protects public health, safeguards national security, promotes scientific innovation, creates employment and economic opportunities and respects the law,” he said.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 2024, which commenced on April 14, 2025, provides the principal framework for controlling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Ms Justine Kasule Lumumba, the minister of ICT and National Guidance, speaking at the same meeting, warned cannabis farmers that obtaining a licence to grow the crop does not give them freedom to disregard the law.

“This is more than the first formal meeting of a newly-registered cooperative. It is the beginning of an institution,” Ms Lumumba said.

She said the medical cannabis and industrial hemp sector is unusual, highly regulated and often misunderstood, requiring farmers to operate responsibly.

Ms Lumumba said the cooperative was not promoting recreational cannabis use or seeking to replace government regulatory institutions.

“We are not here to encourage recreational consumption. We are not here to tell Ugandan parents that their concerns about drugs are misplaced,” she added.