Inaccurate measuring can put lives at risk, warns UNBS boss

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) says Ugandans should ensure that all measuring instruments in use are accurate, calibrated, and verified in order to protect lives, guarantee fairness, and strengthen the economy.

This was said by UNBS executive director Eng. James Kasigwa as Uganda marked World Metrology Day on Tuesday (May 20) — under the global theme "Measurements for all times, for all people".

Metrology is the scientific study of measurement, and the annual event celebrates the International System of Units. 

May 20 was also the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875 in the French capital, Paris, a historic treaty that laid the foundation for a unified global measurement system.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Kasigwa said accurate measurement is fundamental in virtually every sector of modern life — from the local markets and health facilities to the construction, agriculture and aviation sectors etc.

“You cannot control what you cannot measure," he told reporters.

"And if you measure inaccurately, you lose control — with dangerous consequences. Poor measurement can destroy buildings, risk lives, or rob farmers of their produce value.”

Uganda is about to complete its National Metrology Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility that has been constructed under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project with government support. 

It is poised to become one of Africa’s leading metrology centres.

“Once operational, this laboratory will serve not only Uganda, but also neighbouring countries who will bring in their instruments for calibration,” said Kasigwa.

“This is not just infrastructure; it is our launchpad to becoming a continental hub for high-precision measurements.”

The laboratory will enhance the capacity of Uganda to ensure international traceability and conformity to global standards, enabling industries, health facilities, and even small-scale traders to operate with accuracy and credibility.

'Check for UNBS sticker'

The UNBS boss further underlined the importance of calibrating and verifying equipment.

“When measuring chemical ingredients for medicines, the sensitivity and accuracy must be far higher. That's a matter of life and death," he said, also offering other scenarios.

“Imagine a coffee farmer who harvests three tonnes of beans. At the weighing bridge, the machine says one-and-a-half tonnes. He has lost money right there. If that scale is not calibrated, he has no way to challenge it.

"We urge all Ugandans to check for the UNBS sticker. It's your assurance of fairness."
Metrology is also considered key in enhancing Uganda’s international trade competitiveness. 

With verified instruments and certified measurement systems, local goods can meet export standards, boosting confidence among global buyers.

For efficiency and convenience, UNBS has an online portal that enables individuals and institutions to apply for services without having to do multiple physical visits.

“We want people to apply online and then bring their equipment only once. We calibrate and verify, and they collect them ready for use,” said Kasigwa. 

“That way, we save time, increase efficiency, and support the digitalization of service delivery.”

He urged the public, especially traders, health providers, and construction companies, to embrace calibrated equipment for consumer protection, quality assurance, and legal compliance.

“If your equipment is not verified, you may be inadvertently cheating your customers or putting lives at risk. Let’s build a culture of precision and fairness.

“This is not just about scientists in labs. It’s about you — the consumer, the trader, the farmer, and the doctor. Accurate measurement matters to everyone, everywhere.”