Uganda Approves National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy

The long awaited Uganda National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy has been approved by the Ugandan Cabinet after a thorough review and deliberation of various stakeholders. The policy which was formulated by the National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) in 2002 aims to build and strengthen national capacity in biotechnology through research and development, promote the utilization of biotechnology products and processes as tools for national development ; and provide a regulatory and institutional framework for safe and sustainable biotechnology development and application. During the recent cabinet meeting for the policy approval, Hon. Fred Jachan Omach, underscored the importance of the policy arguing that biotechnology was one of the frontiers of agricultural and industrial research in the world today and that Uganda should not be left behind in these new technological advancements.

The policy's goal towards the safe application of biotechnology will be one of  the instruments in poverty eradication, improvement of health care, food security, industrialization and the protection of the environment. Hon. Omach further stated that  the approval of the policy was imperative given that the country had already established an ultra-modern National Agricultural Biotechnology Center, where genetic modification of cotton, bananas and other crops for resistance to diseases and pests are being conducted.

For details contact UNCST Executive Secretary at uncst@starcom.co.ug. For other news about biotechnology in Africa, contact Margaret Karembu of ISAAA Africa Center at m.karembu@isaaa.org.