Uganda
Is Hemp Legal in Uganda?
Status
Restricted
Covers
Jurisdiction
Last updated
May 29, 2026
The short answer
Industrial hemp is legal in Uganda under the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2020 (Statutory Instrument No 41 of 2020), issued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2016. Cultivation, processing, and export require licensing from the National Drug Authority, with additional oversight from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The regulations establish a closed-licensing regime focused on export-oriented medical and industrial hemp production. Licensed operators must demonstrate secure facilities, recipient-country import authorisations, and good agricultural and collection practice. Uganda's equatorial climate and the central region's volcanic soils support year-round cultivation, and the country has attracted Israeli, German, and Canadian investment in greenhouse and outdoor licensed operations. Smallholder bhang cultivation outside the licensed framework remains criminal under Section 4 of the 2016 Act.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.
Key facts ·
Uganda
Key facts
Rules at a glance
THC limit
Per license (export-oriented)
Regulator
National Drug Authority; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
Key regulation
Industrial Hemp Regulations 2020 SI 41/2020; Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2016
Effective
April 3, 2020
Adult-use cannabis
Illegal
Medical cannabis
Legal
For brands and importers
Import and export rules
Hemp export is permitted for licensed operators under National Drug Authority oversight and recipient-country import permits. Seed and clone imports require National Drug Authority and MAAIF authorisation. Entebbe International Airport handles licensed shipments.
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