PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN ACCESS AND BENEFIT SHARING OF GENETIC RESOURCES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF UGANDA BY DAVID R. MUTEKANGA (PhD)

INTRODUCTION: UGANDA

THE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS  Uganda Wildlife Authority  National Environment Management Authority  National Forestry Authority  National Council for Science and Technology  Wetlands Inspection Division  National Agricultural Research organization

MAJOR CHALLENGES  Lack of resources  Lack of Institutional experience – database  Lack of qualified and experienced manpower  Lack of coordination  Failure to domesticate MEAs

RECOMMENDATIONS  Develop capacity building programs for the institutions.  Need for good governance & transparency.  Develop reliable and useful coordination and collaboration internally & externally.  Public education & awareness.  Role & responsibilities of CSO & Private sector.

CONCLUSION  A number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa are moving towards re-organizing and re- vitalizing the public institutions.  The issue of good governance and transparency is very paramount if the public institutions are to fulfil their mandate in ABS.  THANKS VERY MUCH