Use the church to spread biotechnology gospel - minister

Sep 27, 2017

UBBC is a consortium of organisations that promote the safe and sustainable use of biotechnology in Uganda.

PIC: Dr Elioda Tumwesigye

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, has advised scientists to use the church to educate people about modern biotechnology also known as genetic engineering (GE).

He was speaking to members of the Uganda Biotechnology and Biosafety Consortium (UBBC) at their second annual general meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday.

UBBC is a consortium of organisations that promote the safe and sustainable use of biotechnology in Uganda.

He said biotechnology would address challenges of nutrition deficiency and hunger, that are rampant in the country.

UBBC chairperson Erostus Nsubuga said the consortium would soon establish an annual science award for scientists who have excelled in using biotechnology in their research.

Ugandan scientists, through the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), are currently undertaking genetic research on bananas, cassava, maize, rice and irish potatoes. The breeding is mainly for pest and disease resistance and nutrition enhancement.

Tumwesigye said the ministry would soon advertise jobs for scientists to work in the biosafety and biosecurity department at the ministry.

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