Uganda confirms only five truck had Aflatoxinated maize

By Olivia Nabaggala

14^th July 2023

The Ugandan government has confirmed that five out of the 23 trucks that were turned back from South Sudan with loaded maize flour so far tested at Elegu border point contain Aflatoxins.

The tests were sanctioned after the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards impounded 72 trucks loaded with maize grains, on allegations of failing to meet the required standard and were contaminated with Aflatoxions.

This prompted a joint delegation from Uganda led by senior presidential advisor and chairman of presidential advisory committee on exports and industrial development Odrek Rwabwogo to travel to Elegu – Nimule border point and meet with officials from South Sudan which resulted into the release of 23 trucks carrying 27 consignments which includes maize grains, maize flour, Dry beans, sorghum grains, cassava flour and finger millet grains

Speaking to the press in Kampala, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) David Livingstone Ebiru noted that upon the samples taken, four (4) out of the eights (8) consignments of maize grain failed with highest levels of aflatoxins which exceeded regulatory limits.

He also explains that one (1) out of 11 consignments of maize flour failed the aflatoxins test while other consignments that include beans, sorghum, millet and cassava passed the test.

He added that the consignments which passed the test will be released to owners for further management while the 5 consignments which failed the test will be seized at Elegu border point for their disposal.

Ebiru further advised traders dealing in the supply of the above commodities to comply with the required safety and quality standards.

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