Several genetically modified crops that are more resilient to drought, flooding, saline or acid soils and temperature extremes resulting from climate change are already being researched in Uganda and are in advanced stages. The enactment of an enabling law, the Uganda National Biosafety Bill 2017, is intended to enhance the development of modern biotechnology.
The Parliament of Uganda passed the National Biosafety Bill 2017 [pdf] in October. The Act allows farmers and plant breeders to access genetically modified plant materials (GMOs) and other tools of genetic engineering.
This also sets stage for agricultural products that are under confined field trials in the country to proceed to open field trials before they are commercialised.
GMO field trials in Uganda are currently conducted under the National Council of Science and Technology Act 1990, which established the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) in 1996. NBC registers and permits confined field studies and ensures adherence to the guidelines and safety to humans and the environment.
Addressing the media after passing the law, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Elioda Tumwesigye, outlined other uses of the Bill: “To protect our borders from unauthorised entry of GMOs; Protect our people from consuming unsafe biotechnology products; Alleviate our farmers from the devastation and impoverishment often caused by crop diseases, animal diseases, uncontrolled use of expensive pesticides and unpredictable weather and drought occasioned by climate change.”
Other uses the minister outlined include: “Giving the country opportunities to use all science and technological options including modern biotechnology tools to handle crop and animal diseases and other stresses that cannot be effectively handled by conventional tools.”
Source: ip-watch.org
