Uganda's National Biosafety Committee has approved confined field trials of genetically modified bollworm-resistant and herbicide-tolerant cotton. The trials will be conducted by the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute at two sites: Mubuku and Sarete. The purpose of the trials is to gather data that may lead to the development of GM cotton -specifically suited to Ugandan conditions", according to principal trial investigator Dr Emeetai Areke. Cotton is the second GM crop on which trials will be carried out in the country, with field trials on GM bananas already being conducted.