MAKERERE -Bio technology scientists, student and tutors from various higher institutions of learning have been advised to ensure that they use their expertise to uplift people’s well being at the same time improving on their earning.
Some of the scientists who participated in the dialogue at Makerere University.
At University Dialogue on harnessing Biotechnology to build a vibrant Bio economy held at Makerere University early this week, various speakers expressed concern about lack of solutions to simple challenges (requiring bio technology) yet the country has many bio technologists.
Prof. Patrick Okori , the Executive Secretary of REFORUM pointed out that trends like urbanization have led to change in people’s feeding habits thus a creating a need for country’s Agricultural researcher to come up with products for that market.
” We have a country that imports food items like wheat , rice, Cooking Oil even when it should not have done so. it means that our food system is changing and many people in city prefer chips and Rolex over the other food.”
He therefore called upon lecturers to train their students to become producers of technology and wealth creation but not users of technology.
Prof Arthur Tugume , Dean school of Bio Sciences, Makerere University, revealed that bio scientists have a number of opportunities once one is well prepared , he can concentrate on coming up with reliable seeds for the farmers he can’t regret for the rest of his/her life
” Upon investing in this line , you can decide to add pest and disease control tonic on seeds at the same time ensure that their germination rate is very high. Imagine producing seeds whose germination rate is more than 90 percent.”
Tugume also expressed the need for Uganda to have atleast Bio -scientists focusing on finding solutions to future problems instead of only focusing on existing ones.
Prof. Arthur Tugume , Dean school of Bio Sciences, Makerere University.
“Many people nowadays people prefer to have quicker things than long term. If you focus on finding solutions to only available problems, what about those problems that you can’t see now but will show up in 10 or 20 years from now?” asked professor.
Abdullah Kaggwa , Coordinator Feed the Project at NARO urged all scientists to ensure that all their research is aligned towards industrial needs since people in market have a lot of money to invest in research activities.
Dr. Martin Ongol, the acting Executive Director for Uganda National Council for Science and Technology during his presentation assured scientists that can develop a bio economy because of a number of factors like: a rich genetic source , growing pool of scientists and modified science tools which have now become cheaper compared to the past.
“I have seen a lot of young people around here. Its very good to major in business because the young you are the more years you will be have to enjoy the profits from your innovation.”
About Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
GMO is an animal, plant or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
Various scholars at the dialogue , faulted some Ugandans for misusing the term GMO and thus misleading others about its meaning as well as intentions.
Dr. Andrew Kiggundu from National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) noted that some people have went an extra mile of referring to traditional bleeding techniques as GMOs.
“The term GMO is at times misused but there is a need to change. Some organizations have went in field to ask for opinions on GMO seeds that they have never used.”
Prof. Arthur Tugume pointed out that many people always equated bio technology to GMOs which is totally wrong. “We need them to understand that this a whole range of systems which have been in existence ever since man came on earth the only thing changing is speed , types and ways of doing things, there is nothing new under the sun.”
Reaction on GMOs regulation
Dr. Kiggundu emphasized that ,there is need to have law governing genetic editing because all technology and innovation can be misused if not well regulated
“Gene transfer, gene editing and synthetic biology where you can create a synthetic living organism that could have never existed. That alone is too much power that needs to be regulated.”
Prof Arthur Tugume , noted that as lecturers in this science department can’t wait for legislative frame work i order to train students about GMOs. “For all along we have been training bio technology which is not only about GMOs .There are many other out there which these students can interest themselves after school.”
He further added that the law is very important because its about regulation and control not about promotion as many people believe.
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