The minister of state for Finance in charge of Planning, Matia Kasaija, has refuted claims that government has withdrawn the National Biotechnology and Bio safety Bill, 2012 (BSBT). He said government fully supports the Bill. A Bill whose objective includes providing for development and general release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Uganda was tabled in Parliament for the first reading last year by Ajuri county MP Denis Hamson Obua.
Kasaija revealed what he called the government position: “Government has not withdrawn the BSBT 2012 Bill saying the NRM caucus had already discussed and considered the bill, but still wanted the input of other stakeholders, particularly critics.”
Committee chairperson Anthony Semmuli said BSBT Bill, 2012, if passed into law will provide for a regulatory framework to facilitate safe development and application of biotechnology.” He stressed that once passed into law, the Bill would boost food production through the use of improved, drought and disease-resistant seeds and other planting materials. If it is approved by parliament, Uganda would join Rwanda and Kenya, among other countries that have already passed BSBT laws.
Read the full, original article: GMO Bill not withdrawn – Minister
