Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside the agricultural police and the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa (ACN), have apprehended a man allegedly involved in selling counterfeit agricultural inputs.
The operation that led to the arrest of Robert Seruma was triggered by a tip-off from ACN.
Following a tip off, the team purchased some of the suspect’s products, which were tested and confirmed to be fake.
When officials arrived unexpectedly, Seruma in his late 50s attempted to flee but was quickly pursued and arrested.
During the search, it was discovered that Seruma had been repackaging counterfeit agricultural inputs in containers that closely resembled genuine products, including similar labels and packaging.
He had primarily been dealing in commonly used inputs such as “Weed Master,” a herbicide used in gardens to control unwanted weeds.
Instead of the original chemicals, Seruma filled the containers with liquid soap before sealing and branding them.
Charles Sendaaza, an Agricultural Inspector from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Department of Crop Inspection and Certification, spoke to the media shortly after the arrest, confirming that many of the products found in the shop were counterfeit.
He said this is the third time Seruma is being arrested for the same offenses.
He emphasized that the Ministry, is working to ensure Seruma faces legal action in court.
Authorities also revealed that Seruma is suspected to be working with other people who are yet to be identified. Sendaaza stressed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting farmers by enforcing quality standards for agricultural inputs.
“This suspect has been faking products and branding them as those manufactured by reputable companies. After consulting the companies, they confirmed that many of the products found here are not theirs,” he added.
He said the impounded products, including seeds and chemicals among others are valued at approximately sh50 million.
Trevor Sophatia Igumba, who works with the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa said the investigation began after a report was filed through their reporting app about a shop selling fake agro-inputs.
After informing the Ministry, swift action was taken to arrest the suspect.
“We want to warn the public to be vigilant, as many counterfeit products are circulating in the market. Always buy from authorized and licensed shops,” he noted.
He also said they introduced “BLEEP,” a new reporting app where the public can report suspected counterfeit products across various categories
The app is available on Google Play Store, Apple Store, and via web access at www.bleep.ug.
