This report from Uganda’s Nile Post, published on 2 October 2026.
The Uganda Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Cooperative Society (UMCHICS) was launched on October 2, 2026, to organise licensed farmers and promote compliance, market access and responsible participation in the country’s emerging medical cannabis sector. The acting chair of the new body is Uganda’s Information and Communications Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba (pictured here).
Speaking at the launch of UMCHICS in Kampala, Lumumba, warned that individual misconduct could damage the reputation of the entire industry.
“We want our members to be judged not simply by what they grow, but by how responsibly they operate,” she said, adding that the cooperative aimed to become a professional institution that earned the confidence of farmers, regulators, investors and government stakeholders alike.
Lumumba said members must
- prioritise compliance, traceability, quality and responsible production,
- ensure that cannabis grown under the regulated framework does not enter illicit markets, and
- maintain proper production standards and records.
Leaders at the launch also stress that value addition begins at the cultivation stage and requires farmers to
Minister of State for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze Kisekka reminded members that cannabis remains a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2024, which came into force on April 14, 2025.
The law lists cannabis among prohibited plants but allows the Minister responsible for health to issue cultivation licences subject to conditions set under the law and regulations.
“Our role is not to obstruct legitimate business but to ensure enterprises operate within the law and prevent diversion into illicit markets,” Witonze said.
He said that security and compliance must cover the entire value chain, from seeds and cultivation through to processing, storage, transportation and export, and warned that those who abuse licences, falsify records or divert controlled substances will face action under the law.
UMCHICS offers three membership categories:
- full members, who pay Shs7,000;
- affiliate members, who pay Shs150,000 annually;
- and corporate partners.
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