A number of scientists have expressed shock and anger at the proposed restrictive requirements that were included in the long-awaited [Ugandan] law on Biotechnology with some labelling them a disaster and a huge setback for the country.
…
Clet Wandui Masiga, the Director of Tropical Institute of Development Innovations (TRIDI), a science policy think tank, criticised recommendations that seek to imprison anyone including farmers and scientists for any intended and unintended adverse effects of a product of Genetic Engineering.
…
Although the common law presupposes that one cannot be held responsible for unintended harm, Masiga argues that in order to avoid legal fights, most scientists will opt to simply avoid the bother and the technology all together, something he stressed is a retrogressive step since many countries in Africa and elsewhere looked up to Uganda as a model country in the development of biotechnology.
Uganda had emerged as one of the most progressive countries in Africa by allowing scientists to invest their energies to develop solutions to problems affecting millions of her farmers using biotechnology.
…
The apparent U-turn in president’s stance towards the support for GM, as illustrated in the proposed recommendations to the biotech law, constitute a major blow to any hopes of adopting the technology especially by smallholder farmers.
Read full, original post: Parliament in U-Turn on GMO Law
