The motion introduced by Hon. James Nsaba Buturo, representative of Bufumbira East County, urges the Ugandan government to establish mechanisms to preserve and promote indigenous seeds and animal breeds.
The primary objective is to protect traditional agricultural practices from the rising competition posed by multinational corporations promoting genetically modified organisms (GMOs). According to Buturo, the spread of GMOs threatens Uganda’s traditional seeds and breeds, risking the loss of seed sovereignty and potential political instability as farmers become dependent on these foreign corporations for seeds and chemicals each season.
During the parliamentary debate, MPs largely supported the motion, recognizing the imminent threats GMOs pose to Uganda’s agriculture. They highlighted the advantages of traditional seeds, which are more affordable, better suited to local conditions, and more resilient to climate change compared to genetically modified varieties. MPs also emphasized that traditional seeds do not rely on fertilizers and chemicals, unlike many of the improved seeds currently dominating the market. Concerns were raised about the soil degradation linked to the continuous use of these chemicals, which are necessary for the success of GMO crops.
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MPs such as Hon. Abed Bwanika suggested learning from South Africa’s efforts in preserving and promoting indigenous goat breeds, which now enjoy global markets. Hon. Christine Nakimwero also advocated for the adoption of traditional seeds as a method of adapting to climate change, noting their resistance to adverse weather conditions like droughts and floods. Overall, there was broad consensus on the importance of government intervention, with calls for the creation of a dedicated department within the Ministry of Agriculture to focus on the promotion and preservation of indigenous seeds and breeds.
The government, represented by Hon. David Bahati, expressed support for the motion. Bahati emphasised the need for ethical scientific approaches in agriculture and recognised the superior adaptability of traditional seeds and breeds to climate change. The consensus among legislators and the government reflects a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining agricultural biodiversity to ensure food security, seed sovereignty, and environmental sustainability in Uganda.
