UNBS seizes over 5000 substandard mattresses

KAMPALA - Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized more than 5000 substandard mattresses estimated at about sh500m.

The mattresses were seized from down town Kampala on Friday afternoon in an operation that covered 20 shops on Sekazinga House.

Godwin Muhwezi, the UNBS public relations officer, told journalists that the raid followed continuous complaints from manufacturers of genuine mattresses, who claim that some traders have been selling substandard mattress marked with their brands names and others do not label them.

A man carries some of the substandard mattresses that were confiscated. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

 
He warned buyers especially schools and parents to be cautious of the crafty manufacturers who are out to exploit them. All the mattresses manufactured should bear a trade mark, type of density offered, dimensions and the batch number.

Muhwezi said any person found offering mattresses for sale, which do not conform to standard specifications, will have the goods confiscated, charged in court or pay a fine of sh10m.

"Ever since we tightened surveillance in Kampala, the dealers in counterfeit products are now targeting remote areas, whose residents cannot easily distinguish a fake from an original. These people make mattresses from here and sell them upcountry. Last week, we impounded a truck which was taking substandard mattresses to Gulu and Arua," noted Muhwezi.

Police officers arresting some of the business people who were dealing in counterfeit mattresses. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

 
He explained that even if they go to remote areas, they are going to pursue them. The losses they incur when we seize and destroy the fake products and the frequent raids, we conduct will definitely discourage them from dealing in these substandard goods.

Addressing journalist, Daniel Arorwa, the UNBS market surveillance manager, said if you are buying a mattress, first push your fingers inside, and if the finger goes inside, just abandon it, it is fake.

 Women selling fake mattresses. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

"If the mattress has a thick lining at the back, do not buy. Consumers are advised to buy mattresses with labels and incase of any compliant, you can trace the manufacturer and be compensated," said Arorwa.

UNBS is still combing the market for the next one-week to clean the market of substandard mattress.