MPs tell scientists to petition House over biotech Bill

Missed chances. MPs said failure to enact the biotechnology law has denied Ugandans the opportunity to exploit several advantages of the technology.

Legislators have advised scientists and Ugandans endeavouring to advance biotechnology science for national development to seek Parliament’s support in fast-tracking the biotechnology and biosafety law.

Speaking at workshop at National Crops Resource Research Institute (Nacrri), Namulonge, on Saturday, Mr Robert Ssebunya, the Kyadondo South MP, said it is necessary to involve MPs in accelerating the formulation of the law, which has stayed at drafting level for over nine years.

“Petition the Speaker so that the issue can be tabled in the House. We need to be sensitised about the technology so that when the Bill comes to Parliament, we are in the know,” Mr Ssebunya said.

The workshop, which was organised by Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Consortium (UBBC), was attended by members of parliamentary committees for Finance, Agriculture and Natural resources.

Mr Ssebunya’s advice came after Mr Erostus Nsubuga, the UBBC chairperson, expressed concern over the delayed law, saying the absence of regulations has denied the country an opportunity to exploit several advantages of the technology.

“Scientists have products on shelves but they can’t release them because of the absence of the law. My greatest fear is that our scientist will disappear with the products and sell the technology to other countries once we delay the law,” Mr Nsubuga said.

According to Mr Arthur Makara, the UBBC coordinator, the Bill is currently in the Solicitor General’s office being drafted after Cabinet passed its principles late last year.

Arua Woman MP Christine Bako Abia wondered why scientists are confining themselves in laboratories instead of promoting the technology, believed to solve some of the current challenges faced in farming and health.

However, Eng. Yorokamu Katwiremu, the Sheema South MP, said: “Since many people, including me have a misconception about the technology, it would be necessary for scientists to explain to Parliament what the it is all about.”

The country is struggling with whether to enact the Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill to operationalise the National Biotechnology and Biosafety policy, which establishes a system whereby the country can benefit from safe applications of modern biotechnology.

Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products. It is used in the health (manufacturing drugs) and agricultural sectors, among others.

jmiti@ug.nationmedia.com