KACITA launches 2013 quality awards

 By Taddeo Bwambale and Isabella Tugume
            
The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) on Wednesday launched the 2013 KACITA Quality Awards aimed at recognizing companies that promote quality in their products.

Everest Kayondo, KACITA Chairperson speaking to journalists at Hotel Africana in Kampala, said the association had engaged consultants to start the process of identifying the best firms.

The awards, currently in their fourth year, were established as part of efforts to fight counterfeit and substandard goods in the country.

Unlike previous years, the selection process relies on research carried out by a consultancy firm (comprising 60% of the marks) and polls based on customer feedback through sms platforms.

“The findings are verified through site visits and later audited by an independent firm, to ascertain their credibility”, Kayondo explained.

Regulatory bodies such as Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) take part in auditing the awards.

Kayondo said the new system had helped to get rid of fraud, in which some companies vouch for positive reviews from the public, yet they fall short on quality.

“Previously, people would go on air and entice the public vote for them. We have changed the system so that it is more transparent and reflects provision of quality services,” he said.

This year, KACITA has contracted Ernest & Young to audit the awards, an exercise conducted free of charge.

Yvonne Mpanga Simwogerere, a consultant for the awards said this year’s awards would include special categories for small and medium enterprises and sole proprietors.  

Kayondo appealed to all manufacturers and service providers to take part in the awards, assuring them that even negative feedback would help them improve on quality.