Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, has urged scientists at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to abandon the proposed Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) law and instead focus on enhancing indigenous seeds and animal breeds.
GMOs are organisms whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering techniques.
Tayebwa advised caution on the proposed law, emphasizing the importance of preserving the market for Ugandan products. He suggested prioritizing the improvement of quality in indigenous products, asserting that Uganda’s competitive advantage lies in high-quality organic products rather than GMOs.
These remarks were made during Tayebwa’s visit to the NARO center in Namulonge, Gayaza, Wakiso district, where advanced technologies and innovations for agricultural production improvement are being developed.
Tayebwa, who had previously opposed the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill, reiterated his concerns about the potential impact of GMOs on organic products. He advocated for a liability clause in the bill to address any negative consequences of GMOs.
Responding to NARO Governing Council Chairman Prof William Olaho Mukani’s plea to pass the GMO Bill, Tayebwa advised caution and urged scientists not to be swayed by liabilities, pointing to legal battles faced by Western scientists over GMOs.
He encouraged Ugandan scientists to understand the reasons behind the European Union’s ban on GMO products, emphasizing the need to protect the organic foods market from the perceived dangers of GMOs.
While commending NARO’s progress in various agricultural research fields, Tayebwa urged the organization to commercialize innovations, making them accessible to farmers to generate more funds through Non-Tax Revenues (NTR).
Minister of Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze acknowledged the transformation in the sector and emphasized the importance of commercializing NARO’s innovations for economic growth.
Tayebwa also addressed the funding for research, cautioning that proposals to the government must demonstrate value for money. He encouraged NARO to increase funding through partnerships and commercialize cutting-edge technology to benefit farmers.
Minister Tumwebaze reiterated the self-accounting nature of funds appropriated to scientists and highlighted the significant work done at NARO, with 16 products representing various industry lines.
Dr. Swadiq Mugerwa, NARO’s Deputy Director General, Research Coordination, outlined progress in developing vaccines and products, including an Anti-tick vaccine and solutions for aflatoxins in crops, aiming to resolve conflicts with other East African countries over denied access to Ugandan products.
