UNBS warns on fake bottled water

By Job Bwire

Following increased public concerns about the quality of bottled water in Uganda, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned the public on the brands they take.

In an interview with New Vision on Saturday, the UNBS executive director, Ben Manyindo, said the bureau has received many complaints about the quality of bottled water on the market.

According to UNBS, there are only 30 brands certified by the bureau, yet there are over 48 brands on the market.

“The industry is growing at an increasing rate due to the demand for safe drinking water. Some people have, therefore, taken advantage of the market growth to produce water of questionable standards,” said Manyindo.

Mayindo said UNBS puts quality marks on the certified brands, but noted that some dubious producers go ahead and put the quality marks without the permission or certification of the bureau.

“Whoever will be caught involved in such dubious acts will be arrested and charged in court,” warned Manyindo.

He asked the public, especially the consumers of bottled water, to be cautious, and added that the western region has been the most affected.

He also advised traders to check on the bureau’s database online for genuine water brands.

The market for bottled water has grown over the years both internally and externally judging from exports to the neighbouring countries.

This has attracted many people to venture into the business as the industry becomes more profitable.