Uganda Develops a Biotechnology R&D Agenda 2010

Uganda now has a Biotechnology Research and Development Agenda 2010 to guide policy makers in strategy formulation for implementing priorities in biotechnology. This was developed at the end of a two-day workshop in Kampala, Uganda from February 4-5, 2010. The workshop was organized by the Biotechnology Policy Program (BIO EARN), in conjunction with Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) and Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (UNCST).

Participants to the workshop included scientists, politicians, journalists and academicians. Through a participatory approach, participants came up with an action plan to assist policy makers in prioritizing areas of research in Uganda. Key recommendations of the strategy include: Capacity building in R&D, improvement of infrastructure, formation of partnerships and networking among researchers, linking biotechnology to industry, institutionalization of Intellectual Property Rights, allocation and maintenance of funding mechanisms, and development of a clear communication strategy. It is hoped that the Biotechnology Agenda will provide guidance to legislators and policy makers as the country prepares to pass its Biosafety law.

For more information contact Olive Nabukonde at onabukonde@yahoo.com