Food Sovereignty vs Food Security: A Rights-based Evaluation Of GMOs in Uganda

Uganda continues to grapple with food insecurity while navigating the global debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This article evaluates GMOs through a rights-based framework, focusing on the right to adequate food. It argues that while GMOs may enhance food security by increasing food availability, nutritional value, and household incomes, they also pose risks to food sovereignty, seed rights, and biodiversity. Using international legal standards and Uganda’s policy context, the article highlights the tension between adopting GMOs for food security and preserving community control over food systems. It concludes that Uganda must regulate GMOs cautiously, guided by biosafety principles, farmer participation, and human rights obligations.