FOOD security activists have asked legislators to review the recently passed Plant Variety Protection Bill, saying it entrenches the rights of breeders and companies while curtailing the rights of small farmers.

The activists argued that the Bill curtails farmers’ abilities to exchange, save and breed new varieties using hybrid seeds.

Frank Muramuzi, the executive director of National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE), said the Bill protects interests of multinational seed manufacturers at the expense of ordinary farmers.

“The Bill leaves certain forms of traditional seeds became scarce, threatening the biodiversity of the country as well as the financial viability of farming for the rural poor.” Muramuzi said.