UMA calls for tougher laws on products
Jan 11, 2009
THE Government should enact a law with harsh penalties to deter those dealing in fake products, an official of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has said.
By David Muwanga
THE Government should enact a law with harsh penalties to deter those dealing in fake products, an official of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has said.
“Importation of counterfeit products has stifled fair competition. It is a constraint to business growth.
“The Government should amend the existing laws to provide for stiff penalties and strengthen enforcement,†James Kalibbala, the association’s chairman, said.
He said counterfeit products and other trade malpractices were having a negative impact on genuine production and trade, consumer health and choice.
“A special institution should also be established to enforce the laws and manage intellectual property laws,†he said in an interview over the weekend.
He advised the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to increase border and internal surveillance to counter the evil.
Kalibbala said fake goods had forced a lot businesspeople and manufacturers out of business. He urged the Government to act fast and solve the problem.
He said the burden of regulation in the country remains high and was affecting businesses.
“The net effect of this is that it makes it more difficult to establish or do business successfully,†he said.
“Only a business environment, free of unnecessary regulations and red tape can stimulate growth of domestic sectors, attract new investments and enhance competitiveness of our firms.â€
“We are therefore urging government to expedite business related legislation and the regulatory and legal framework be reviewed with special focus on the 17 laws before various government departments,†he said.
“We are also asking government to review spending priorities, redirect the scarce resources to productive sectors of the economy and be committed to budget allocations,â€.
THE Government should enact a law with harsh penalties to deter those dealing in fake products, an official of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) has said.
“Importation of counterfeit products has stifled fair competition. It is a constraint to business growth.
“The Government should amend the existing laws to provide for stiff penalties and strengthen enforcement,†James Kalibbala, the association’s chairman, said.
He said counterfeit products and other trade malpractices were having a negative impact on genuine production and trade, consumer health and choice.
“A special institution should also be established to enforce the laws and manage intellectual property laws,†he said in an interview over the weekend.
He advised the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to increase border and internal surveillance to counter the evil.
Kalibbala said fake goods had forced a lot businesspeople and manufacturers out of business. He urged the Government to act fast and solve the problem.
He said the burden of regulation in the country remains high and was affecting businesses.
“The net effect of this is that it makes it more difficult to establish or do business successfully,†he said.
“Only a business environment, free of unnecessary regulations and red tape can stimulate growth of domestic sectors, attract new investments and enhance competitiveness of our firms.â€
“We are therefore urging government to expedite business related legislation and the regulatory and legal framework be reviewed with special focus on the 17 laws before various government departments,†he said.
“We are also asking government to review spending priorities, redirect the scarce resources to productive sectors of the economy and be committed to budget allocations,â€.