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New Vision (Kampala)
March 24, 2004
Posted to the web March 24, 2004
Patrick Luganda
Kampala
MAKERERE University has called for increased frequency in debates about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in order to demystify the myths surrounding them.
The public has difficulty in differentiating the bad from the good with the new technology, a recently concluded biotechnology conference heard.
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Prof George Serwadda was singled out as one of the pioneer researchers who used biotechnology techniques together with colleagues at Mulago to identify the AIDS virus as the cause of the scourge which hit Rakai more than a decade ago.
There were potential benefits in the pharmaceutical industry, nutrition and other new technologies to improve plant and animal health.
The dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Mateete Bekunda said the public was confused when they came across such words as genetically modified foods, Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), tissue culture and similar terminology.
The GMO debate is raging worldwide following the spread of the growing of GM crops which started in the developed countries fast spreading to the developing world.
"It is imperative that fora be established where dialogue on cross-cutting issues in biotechnology can be exposed and demystified," Bekunda said.
He said that the new vision for Makerere was to be a centre of academic excellence, providing world class teaching research relevant to the needs of society.
Richard Kimera of the Consumer Education Trust said the public had to be educated on their basic consumer rights to acquire necessary knowledge and skills.
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The other basic consumer rights included safety, information, choice, redress, representation and a healthy environment. "In addition the consumer has the right to basic needs that is the right to basic products which guarantee consumer survival, adequate food, healthcare, clothing, shelter, education and sanitation," said Kimera.
He added that consumers also have responsibilities to ensure that they get the best from the introduction of biotechnology. The responsibilities include critical awareness, consumer action, social concern, environmental awareness as well as solidarity in joint action.
FN L
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