Biotech Updates

Ugandan Legislators Urge Support for Biotech at WFD Celebration

October 29, 2014

"We need biotechnology so as to increase agricultural productivity. Farmers will be able to plant more easily and expect better yields", said area member of Parliament for Wakiso District, Mr. Kasule Sebunya, during the World Food Day celebration on October 16, 2014 at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI). Mr. Sebunyacalled on his fellow Members of Parliament to support the enactment of the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill, which is currently under debate. Uganda presently has no law on the safe use and application of biotech products. The existing legal and regulatory framework in Uganda only allows for research and development of biotech products. Studies are being carried out on major Ugandan staple food crops such as bananas, cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, and rice.

Other dignitaries present at the occasion also reiterated the role biotechnology can play in facing global challenges such as hunger, food insecurity, climate change, and population growth. National Agricultural Research Organization Governing Council chairman Prof. Joseph Obua  highlighted how advances in agricultural science are being embraced to address some of these challenges. "Climate change is a big challenge to our farmers, and indeed a big challenge as well to our researchers. Our scientists have gone beyond conventional approaches and now using biotechnology to address challenges such as drought in maize," Prof. Obua noted. The Guest of Honour, the Vice President Hon. Edward Ssekandi, urged parents to have small families that they can care for, and engage in family farming for food security and better livelihood.


Uganda VP Hon. Ssekandi talking to high school students in the exhibit

The celebration brought together local and international stakeholders involved in agricultural research and development. Activities included tissue culture demonstration, exhibits showcasing new crop and animal technologies, and performing arts appraising the importance of family farming.

For more information about UBIC's activities, send an email to ubic.naccri@gmail.com.