Biotech Updates

Biotech Innovations Impress Speaker of Parliament at Science Expo

December 17, 2014

"This country needs science and technology innovation to get our economy back on track; and to get the answers to the biggest challenges we face such as climate change, lack of employment, and economic growth". These were the words of the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, during the Parliamentary Science Week exhibitions held from December 8-12, 2014 at the Parliament Grounds. The expo was held under the theme: "Promoting Local Science and Technology Innovation for Job Creation and Economic Development" and it attracted a spectrum of exhibitors, from locally-made innovations to advanced scientific innovations, including: nongovernmental organizations, universities, corporate companies, and the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).

During her visit to the biotechnology stall, Hon. Kadaga was taken through various biotech innovations being used in different sectors including development of biotechnology crops from the laboratory to the field. Also on display were some of the farmers' challenges that are being addressed using biotechnology. The speaker was delighted to learn that the country has the human and infrastructural capacity to use advanced tools of science, and that local scientists are testing various methods to combat some of problems that make it difficult for farmers to reap from their hard work. The speaker was, however, reminded that without a law to regulate the some of the biotechnology tools, these products will not be able to reach farmers' fields.

Other biotech-related activities conducted during the week-long expo included, a series of breakfast meetings organized by SCIFODE for members of Parliament. Most legislators appreciated the need to have a law on biotechnology, which is currently waiting to be debated in Parliament. The legislators promised to support its passing when it is introduced for seconding reading in Parliament.

For more information, contact Uganda Bio-sciences Information Center at ubic.nacrri@gmail.com.