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GMO bill back in Parliament after three years on shelf
June 30,
2017
Written by
OLIVE EYOTARU
Parliament
on Wednesday began scrutinizing the Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill
2012, which has been on the shelves for more than three years.
The bill was first tabled in parliament
in 2013 by then minister of state in charge of Planning Matia Kasaija.
Its introduction drew both praise and sharp criticism from people
against the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the
country.
While proponents of the bill believe
that once passed, the already developed varieties of food crops that are
drought-resistant will be given to farmers to plant and end hunger in
Uganda, those against the bill have severally complained that
introduction of GMOs will wipe out Uganda’s largely organic farming
industry.
On Wednesday, the committee on Science
and Technology presented two reports of their findings on the bill,
pitting the pro and anti-GMO legislators against each other.
In the main report, committee chairman,
Robert Kafeero Ssekitoleko (Nakifuma), said the committee had endorsed
the bill because several GMO crops are already being researched on in
Uganda and are in advanced stages. Kafeero said the enactment of an
enabling law will enhance the safe development of modern biotechnology.
“The biggest challenges are how to adapt
the production of food in view of the climate changes, and how to
develop further the role of agricultural biotechnology in combating the
global challenge. Crop varieties that are more resilient to drought,
flooding, saline or acid soils and temperature extremes resulting from
climate change may be needed, and adaptation-related technologies,
including biotechnology, may play their part,” the main report reads in
part.
The report states that the intention of
the proposed law is to provide for a regulatory framework that
facilitates the safe development and application of modern biotechnology
in Uganda.
However, two MPs on the committee,
Atkins Katusabe (Bukonzo West) and Lee Denis Oguzu (Maracha), authored a
minority report, raising concerns about genetic pollution, which may
arise due to cross pollination, hence wiping out the traditional breeds
and development of crop varieties that risk affecting soil fertility.
The two MPs also outlined the risk of
external influence, brought on by the varied interest in the
introduction of GMOs in the country through foreign companies.
Katusabe said that between 2010 and
2011, financial resources for agricultural biotechnological research
were largely received from philanthropic organizations and
intergovernmental organizations, while government only contributed three
per cent
EXTERNAL INFLUENCE
EXTERNAL INFLUENCE
He said amendments by the committee did
not address the risk of external influence, which necessitates a
comprehensive regulatory impact assessment to critically assess the
adverse risks of external influence and financial sustainability of
advancing biotechnology systems.
“The country’s progress in biotechnology
relies on donors who advance their own agenda or interests, which may
include extending risk of GMO development away from their home
countries. The bill should be referred back to the sponsor,” the
minority report states.
However, Kafeero said once the law is
enacted, a national focal point and authority, as well as a national
biosafety committee will be created to regulate the use of GMOs in the
country.
President Yoweri Museveni, while touring
a demonstration farm at Kawumu State Lodge in Luweero district on March
20, said the bill will help the country resolve some of the problems
the agriculture sector faces, including drought.
Museveni said the bill should be passed to help improve farming practices, backed by modern research and technology.
Peter Wamboga-Mugirya, a pro-GMO
activist, told The Observer that the legislation should have been
introduced years ago, to help combat the growing challenges in the
agricultural sector.
Citing the long spells of drought,
coupled with the recent attack on crops by the fall armyworms, Mugirya
said Ugandans are cold towards biotechnology because they have not been
well informed about its benefits.
“When virulent viruses attack crops,
what can scientists do after they have applied all conventional methods
to fight these diseases? Their best shot is at genetic engineering to
counter these problems. Biotechnology gives advanced solutions; so, let
us help our farmers,” Mugirya said in a phone interview.
