The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Juma Witonze Kisekka, has warned cannabis growers in Uganda against violating laws governing the cultivation, processing and trade of the controlled substance.

Witonze said all players in the cannabis value chain must strictly comply with regulations covering seeds, cultivation, harvesting, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, export and disposal.

The minister made the remarks while meeting members of the Uganda Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cooperative Society in Kampala.

Witonze said the government recognises the potential of regulated medical cannabis and industrial hemp to attract investment, create jobs, support agricultural transformation, contribute to pharmaceutical development and diversify Uganda’s exports.

However, he stressed that these opportunities must be pursued within a framework of strict regulation, public safety, responsible investment and national security.

Witonze reminded cannabis growers and other players in the sector that cannabis remains a controlled substance under Ugandan law, with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 2024, providing the principal legal framework for its regulation.

He warned that individuals who abuse licences, maintain false records or divert controlled substances for criminal activities will face legal action.

The minister also urged members of the Uganda Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cooperative Society to work closely with the government, saying regulations should be viewed as the foundation for building a credible, secure and sustainable cannabis industry in Uganda.

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