500 fake weighing scales impounded
Nov 13, 2007
THE Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has impounded over 500 fake weighing scales and stones. The items, manufactured in Kisenyi, Kampala and made of cast-iron instead of aluminum, were being used in internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps in the North.
By Chris Ocowun
THE Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has impounded over 500 fake weighing scales and stones. The items, manufactured in Kisenyi, Kampala and made of cast-iron instead of aluminum, were being used in internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps in the North.
The UNBS regional manager, Emmanuel Ageta, on Monday said they had confiscated expired and counterfeit goods worth over sh10m.
Some of the items included Sun Cooler orange drink, sweets, Kiwi shoe polish, cooking oil manufactured by BIDCO and Royco Muchuzi Mix cooking powder.
“We visited Paicho, Awach and Opit IDP camps in Gulu district and discovered fake weighing scales, counterfeit and expired goods being sold.
“We impounded over 100 fake weighing machines in Gulu, 200 in Kitgum, 50 in Pader and about 200 in the Lango sub-region. We have been warning these culprits, so we shall prosecute them.â€
Ageta said 30 people would be prosecuted.
“The Government and Parliament should help us investigate cases of counterfeit goods. Some people are making fake juice with contaminated water and this causes cholera and dysentery.â€
He added that UNBS would empower various town councils in the North to withdraw trading licences from traders who sell counterfeit and expired goods.
Ageta called on Parliament to revise the law and give the body power to prosecute those who sell expired and counterfeit goods.
THE Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has impounded over 500 fake weighing scales and stones. The items, manufactured in Kisenyi, Kampala and made of cast-iron instead of aluminum, were being used in internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps in the North.
The UNBS regional manager, Emmanuel Ageta, on Monday said they had confiscated expired and counterfeit goods worth over sh10m.
Some of the items included Sun Cooler orange drink, sweets, Kiwi shoe polish, cooking oil manufactured by BIDCO and Royco Muchuzi Mix cooking powder.
“We visited Paicho, Awach and Opit IDP camps in Gulu district and discovered fake weighing scales, counterfeit and expired goods being sold.
“We impounded over 100 fake weighing machines in Gulu, 200 in Kitgum, 50 in Pader and about 200 in the Lango sub-region. We have been warning these culprits, so we shall prosecute them.â€
Ageta said 30 people would be prosecuted.
“The Government and Parliament should help us investigate cases of counterfeit goods. Some people are making fake juice with contaminated water and this causes cholera and dysentery.â€
He added that UNBS would empower various town councils in the North to withdraw trading licences from traders who sell counterfeit and expired goods.
Ageta called on Parliament to revise the law and give the body power to prosecute those who sell expired and counterfeit goods.