Uganda Can Take Lead in Biotech Says ABSP II EA Coordinator

Uganda has the best chance to take the lead in agricultural biotechnology developments in East Africa. In an exclusive interview with Olive Nabukonde, Dr. Tilahun Zeweldu, Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP) II Eastern Africa Coordinator, stressed that the country is in a position to develop its own transgenic crops. Top priority is the East Africa highland banana which is being done in collaboration with ABSP II, National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)/ National Banana Research Program, Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, Leeds University in the United Kingdom and Cornell University in USA as a management entity. This effort is being funded by USAID Uganda.

At the moment, Uganda is testing transgenic banana resistant to black sigatoka disease purely as a proof of concept. This is being carried out at one of its research stations in Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute. Transgenic cotton will also be tested very soon focusing on herbicide tolerance and boll worm resistance.

ABSP II is strengthening a transformation laboratory and has provided support to construct a level II Biosafety greenhouse at Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute. It has also helped to strengthen human capacity and capability through training. Although agricultural biotechnology development is going on very well in Uganda, product commercialization will not yet be possible because Uganda does not have laws that will allow commercialization of biotech products.

Email Dr. Tilahun Zeweldu at tilazew@yahoo.com for additional information.