Public cautioned about dangers in GMO Foods as Tripple D Lounge restaurant opens

By Mukembo Wilfred

In a move to mitigate the high risks associated with the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOS) use, activists of the locally grown foods have called for urgent regulation against the continous GMO’S supplies on the Uganda market.

Through their umbrella body, African Foods Association in Uganda, activists say that creation of GMOS alters the true nature of certain types of foods, since they are not natural.

The African Foods Association in Uganda chairperson Asaph Ndikweera observed that GMOS contain chemical reactions arising out of genetical alterations which threatens human life, something that should not be embraced by the consumers, unlike local foods that are free from such content.

“There is need for regulation of GMOS, because the people transmuting them into the country are business oriented who have nothing to lose”.

Ndikweera noted that it was high time that the government intervened with reasonable set standards to ensure the safety of consumers and local foods as well.

He was speaking during the launch of the Tripple D Lounge Restaurant and Bar in Kira- Mulawa- Wakiso district on Saturday, a new hub for indigenous Ugandan- African foods.

The African Foods Association in Uganda chairperson also expressed the need for a mindset shift, that population may start to appreciate the consumption of locally produced items including foods.

 there are some people who believe that things that come from other countries are better than local products.

In 2012, a section of GMO protagonists from some Non-Government Organizations (NGO) community made efforts to agitate for the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill 2012 enactment into law to provide for their application, but only to face stiff resistance from parliament in 2013 when it was presented on claims that it intends to smuggle GMOs into the country without safeguards.

The Tripple D Lounge Restaurant and Bar manager Prudence Nayebale said the hub was opened to preserve African dishes that are on verge facing extinction

“We are looking at putting buffets with only local foods communicating to the people the foods we have so that they keep planning”. Nayebale remarked.

Nayebale revealed that plans were underway to open up other local food hubs across kampala city to enable the population enjoy their service of unique local dishes.

She encouraged the population in Kira and its neighboring communities to make good use of Tripple D Lounge Restaurant and Bar facility that is now fully open to the public.

Popular band music star Eddie Yawe featured as guest artist during its launch with lots of music hits.