MPs, scientists spar over GM crops

KAMPALA -Female legislators under their umbrella body Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) have clashed with scientists over biotech crops.

The friction arose at a meeting organised by the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Consortium in Kampala, meant to deliberate on responsible use of biotechnology in agricultural development.

During the meeting, Bubulo West MP Rose Mutonyi tasked scientists to substantiate whether genetically modified crops and seeds are on the market.

 "Are those sweet and nice-looking mangoes and tomatoes on the market GMOs?" she asked, adding: "Scientists should stop confusing the public and instead explain to us if what we are eating is safe."

In response, Dr. Theresa Ssengooba assured that Ugandan scientists have not released GMOs on the market.

She is the board chairperson of Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.

"I can assure you that there are no GM products on the market. All that is there is creeping from countries surrounding Uganda," she emphasized.

But Dr. Deborah Wendiro , the head of the Microbiology Department at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, said her laboratory had already released GMOs, contrary to Ssengooba's remarks.

 "It is very unfortunate we are being derailed on this same issue. We need to set off. My laboratory has been recognized and we are producing GMOs. We are encouraging people to buy them," she said.

These divergent views from the scientists irked the MPs, who demanded that government enacts a law on biosafety to guide implementation of the current policy.

"The agricultural sector has very serious problems extending to pests and diseases, a reason we are currently facing hunger as a country. We therefore need proper steps to ensure that we can assure the population of a brighter future," said Kabarole district Woman MP Sylvia Rwabwogo.

Ismail Senkungu of Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda wondered why biotechnology that is being used in the making of drugs cannot be fully permitted in agriculture in Uganda.

Clet Wandui, a fellow with the Tropical Institute of Development Innovation, said it is disappointing for a country that has full capacity to implement biotechnology in agriculture to still be at the takeoff stage.

"We have a gene bank at NARO and the government has invested substantially in biotech for more than ten years including the training of scientists, and construction of state of-the-art laboratories. It is a disgrace not using the capacity we have to develop biotechnology."