Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has officially opened the Africa Region Training on Preventing Illicit Transfer of Chemicals in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations.
The three-day training, organized in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), brings together participants from 20 African States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Speaking during the fuction, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment & Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, who was represented by Eva Katusabe, acting Commissioner Occupational Safety and Health said the training is important for African countries.
” Prevention of illicit transfer of toxic chemicals is not merely a compliance issue; it is a matter of human security. When chemicals fall into the wrong hands, the consequences can be catastrophic,”she said.
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“Uganda, as a country entering the oil and gas production phase, with growing petrochemical industries and porous borders, is particularly vulnerable to chemical threats. This training is critical for building national capacity and regional cooperation to prevent such risks.”
The Minister applauded the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for organising the training that she said will go a long way in ensuring human safety and sustainable development.”
The training, according to officials is aimed at improving knowledge and practical skills in import and export controls of toxic chemicals, integrating risk management approaches, and strengthening regional cooperation.
“We want our officers, customs officials, and regulatory authorities to leave here with not just technical skills, but also confidence and solidarity across borders,” the Minister said.
Uganda has already made significant strides in chemical safety and security.
“To date, we have trained 140 first responders from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and Uganda Police Force to respond to chemical incidents,” Minister Anyakun said.
“Five of our instructors have undergone advanced OPCW training and are now certified to train others, reducing dependence on external expertise.”
She also highlighted the country’s investment in scientific and analytical capacity.
“Over twenty Ugandan scientists have benefited from specialized training and advanced studies abroad. Our laboratories at Makerere University and the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratories now house advanced equipment for chemical analysis, improving our capacity for forensic investigations and emergency response.”
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The Minister underscored the importance of regional collaboration, noting, “No country can tackle this challenge alone. Sharing intelligence, cooperating across borders, and strengthening regulatory frameworks are essential to prevent toxic chemicals from being misused.”
“This training is an opportunity not only to build technical competence but also to strengthen Uganda’s role as a regional hub for chemical safety and security.It positions us as a proactive and responsible State Party under the Chemical Weapons Convention and reflects our commitment to peace, safety, and development.”
The three-day program includes OPCW staff and experts from international organizations such as the World Customs Organization, INTERPOL, and UNODC.
It combines interactive lectures, tabletop exercises, and discussions to ensure participants gain practical skills relevant to fragile and conflict-affected situations.