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However, it has only approved the rearing of wild mosquitoes ahead of the planned introduction of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs).
“NEMA has not approved the introduction of genetically modified mosquitoes. What NEMA approved in 2017 was the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for an insectary (for rearing mosquitoes),” Nema spokesperson, Mr Tony Achidria said
He further said that the reason UVRI took on this insectary is to build its staff capacity to handle the insects well. This is because before introducing foreign biodiversity, one must be able to contain it.
UVRI’s plan to introduce GMMs has been met with bitter reactions from members of the public and conservationists. Those against the plan say the modified mosquitoes present serious risks to human health and the environment.
Reacting to a May 6 article, UVRI’s top brass said the ongoing engagement with different stakeholders doesn’t mean they are already having GMMs.
“We have no genetically modified mosquitoes now for release,” Prof Pontiano Kaleebu, the UVRI director, said.
The UVRI director on Friday told reporters that they are preparing to work on a GMM. He however said, the process hasn’t started yet.
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
