UNBS, IEC push for higher electronics standards in Uganda
The IEC brings together countries and technical experts to develop international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies. Stronger engagement between the two institutions therefore has the potential to improve Uganda’s access to technical knowledge and international best practices in a rapidly changing technology sector.
Second from right, Onziru, Senior Standards Officer, with Ahooti, IEC Africa Regional Director, and other stakeholders after a meeting on Monday (August 31). (Courtesy)
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The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are strengthening cooperation aimed at improving the quality, safety and competitiveness of electrical and electronic products on the Ugandan market.
The partnership comes at a time when Uganda’s market is seeing growing demand for quality electrical and electronic products, ranging from household appliances and consumer electronics to batteries, solar equipment, among others.
This was disclosed on Monday at a meeting where the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) was hosting personnel from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)at Standards House, Bweyogerere, to strengthen Uganda’s in-country IEC operations and maximise the benefits of its IEC membership.
The engagement focused on enhancing Uganda’s participation in international standardisation, conformity assessment and technical cooperation, supporting quality infrastructure, innovation, trade and the competitiveness of Ugandan products.
According to Dr Safina Namugga, Ag. Manager- Standards, UNBS, for businesses, closer engagement with the IEC could help Uganda align its technical requirements more closely with internationally recognised standards, while giving local manufacturers and importers clearer benchmarks for producing and supplying compliant products.
“UNBS is responsible for developing, promoting and enforcing national standards to protect public health and safety and the environment from harmful and substandard products, while also supporting fair trade. The Bureau is an IEC member and coordinates Uganda’s participation in international standardisation activities.
The IEC brings together countries and technical experts to develop international standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies. Stronger engagement between the two institutions therefore has the potential to improve Uganda’s access to technical knowledge and international best practices in a rapidly changing technology sector.
Winnie Grace Onziru, Senior Standards Officer for Electrical at Uganda UNBS, said for manufacturers and importers, compliance with recognised standards is increasingly becoming a business requirement rather than simply a regulatory obligation.
“Products that meet recognised safety and performance requirements are more likely to gain consumer confidence, reduce the risks associated with product failures and improve the ability of businesses to participate in regional and international markets.
The Bureau has published more than 4,800 Uganda Standards and maintains standards from international and regional bodies, including IEC standards. It also says more than 70% of Uganda Standards are based on international standards.
This provides a foundation for deeper cooperation with the IEC as Uganda seeks to ensure that its standards keep pace with technological developments.
Batteries and electric mobility emerging as priority areas
Francois Ahooti, IEC Africa Regional Director, said the importance of international electrotechnical standards is particularly visible in emerging technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and electric mobility.
“UNBS is currently undertaking public reviews of several standards based on IEC and ISO standards covering lithium-ion batteries, battery safety, electric vehicles, charging systems and electrical and electronic equipment.”
These standards are becoming increasingly relevant as businesses invest in solar energy systems, battery storage, electric mobility and other technologies that depend on electrical and electronic components.
For businesses, meanwhile, internationally aligned standards can provide a clearer technical framework for importing, manufacturing and selling products in Uganda.
A changing electronics market
Uganda’s electronics market is evolving quickly, with new technologies entering the country alongside traditional household and industrial electrical products.
This makes international cooperation on standards increasingly important. Technologies such as electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, renewable-energy systems and smart electronic devices introduce new technical and safety considerations that may require specialised expertise.
Closer cooperation with the IEC can help Uganda participate more effectively in international standardisation and ensure that the country’s technical requirements evolve alongside global technology.
For consumers, the ultimate test will be whether the initiative results in safer, more reliable and better-performing products.
For businesses, the opportunity lies in using standards not merely as a compliance requirement, but as a tool for improving product quality, building consumer trust and opening access to wider markets.
As Uganda deepens its engagement with the IEC, the success of the partnership will therefore be measured not only by the number of standards adopted, but by how effectively those standards translate into safer products, stronger businesses and a more competitive electronics market.