6. PART VI: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
The CBD acknowledges the general lack of information and knowledge on biological diversity.
Article 17 of the CBD deals with exchange of information and requires contracting parties to facilitate
this.
The problem with information management for Uganda is that the information that is available is
scattered amongst different institutions. Part V, Regulations 28 – 30 of the National Environment
(Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing) Regulations, 2005, deal with information
management. Uganda needs to develop national systems for collecting, managing and making
available relevant information to AGR. The responsibility for this lies with the Competent Authority.
6.1
Information Acquisition and Storage
All information regarding AGR e.g. existing MTA and AA is stored by UNCST. This is information
about AGR in general and the operating systems found in Uganda. Information that results from
allowing access and use of genetic resources e.g. for research shall be stored by the Lead Agencies,
with copies given to UNCST.
The UNCST is required to keep a register of all permits issued. A person issued an Access Permit is
required to keep the following records for each sample taken:
1. a unique identifier for the sample that is also on a label attached to the sample or its container;
2. the date the sample was taken;
3. the place from which the sample was taken;
4. an appropriate indication of the quantity or size of the sample (e.g. the weight or size)
5. both the English and scientific name of the sample;
6. the location of the sample when first entered in the record;
7. the details about any subsequent disposition of the sample, including the names and addresses of
others having possession of the sample or a part of the sample.
If a permit holder does not propose to keep a sample for which he or she has a record of the type
mentioned above, the permit holder must offer the sample and record to the owner of the genetic
resources. If the owner does not agree to keep the sample and record, then the permit holder may
dispose of it and, at that time, must send the record and details of the disposal of the sample to
UNCST.
6.2
Access to Information
Any AGR document submitted to the Authority or the Competent Authority, in accordance with these
Guidelines shall be a public document, subject to Article 85 of the National Environment Management
Act and may be accessed by any person on payment of a prescribed fee.
A document requested from the Competent Authority or the LA, under these Guidelines will be
availed to the applicant within sixty days from the date of application and on payment of the required
fees.
6.3
Confidential Information
The confidentiality provided under Article 85(3) of the National Environment Act Cap 153 does not
apply where public disclosure is required so as to protect public interest or protect the environment.
Confidentiality of information is only granted in relation to proprietary information and to AA.
An application for confidential treatment of information shall be submitted together with an
application for access to genetic resources and shall state the reason for seeking such confidentiality.
Such an application for access to genetic resources may also be treated as confidential. The applicant,
in this instance, is required to submit a non-confidential summary of the application.
Guidelines for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing
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