Research and development of genetically engineered (GE) crops in
Uganda was initiated in 2003 with the launch of a national
agricultural biotechnology center at Kawanda in central Uganda. The
country has now approved 17 field experiments for GE plants, which
were first established in 2006 with the planting of a banana
confined field trial that evaluated performance of plants modified
to express resistance to black sigatoka disease. Researchers
leading the GE experiments have indicated that some of these GE
plants are ready for environmental release that is moving beyond
confined field testing toward commercialization. The government of
Uganda, over the past two decades, has supported processes to put
in place an effective national biosafety framework including
establishment of a supportive policy environment; creation of a
clear institutional framework for handling applications and
issuance of permits; building critical capacity for risk analysis;
and providing options for public engagement during decision-making.
Uganda is ready to make a biosafety decision regarding
environmental release of GE plants based on the level of capacity
built, progress with priority GE crop research in the country, and
the advancement in biosafety systems. Enactment of a national
biosafety law that provides for a coordinated framework for
implementation by the relevant regulatory agencies will strengthen
the system further. In addition, product developers need to submit
applications for biosafety approval for environmental release of GE
crops so that mechanisms are tested and improved through practice.
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