By Nasser Kayanja
KAMPALA — Ugandans, particularly the youth, have been urged to embrace organic farming and biological innovations as a pathway to job creation and improved livelihoods.
The call was made by veteran Kadongo Kamu musician Lord Fred Ssebata while addressing participants at the launch of the 11th edition of the Kyuma Kiwagala Kyuma Sandowner, a bio-innovation research and lecture programme held in Lungujja, Kampala.
The programme, organised by Prof Bio Research, seeks to expose participants to various biological innovations and technologies, including the production of sugar from monk fruit.
Prof Julius Nyanzi, the Executive Director of Prof Bio Research and a Central Government Commissioner for Science and Innovation, said the initiative is intended to equip Ugandans with practical knowledge that can translate into business opportunities and employment.
Nyanzi said sugar can be produced from alternative crops and plants, including monk fruit, stevia and dates, which he described as potential organic alternatives to conventional sugarcane-based production.
He argued that embracing such innovations could help Ugandans explore locally available resources while creating new enterprises and employment opportunities.
According to Nyanzi, the 11th Sandowner edition will focus on teaching participants how to process monk fruit into sugar and exploring its potential as an alternative sweetener.
He said monk fruit-derived sweeteners have health advantages over conventional sugar, although he encouraged consumers to seek appropriate scientific guidance on their use.
Ssebata called on the government to give greater attention to organic and bio-innovations, saying they could help Ugandans rediscover indigenous knowledge while developing products from locally available resources.
He said bio-innovation programmes can enlighten communities about the potential of natural resources and encourage young people to turn ideas into viable businesses.
“We need to go back to our roots and discover ourselves by developing organic products from resources within our communities,” Ssebata said.
Nyanzi further encouraged young people to participate in innovation lectures and research programmes, saying exposure to science and technology could help them identify opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation.
He said Uganda has significant potential to develop new products from crops and other natural resources if more attention is given to research, innovation and value addition.