UNBS toughens on local producers

Aug 11, 2009

UGANDA National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is to undertake compulsory registration of beverage manufacturers aimed at improving quality and competitiveness of locally-produced products.

By Samuel Balagadde

UGANDA National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is to undertake compulsory registration of beverage manufacturers aimed at improving quality and competitiveness of locally-produced products.

The registration exercise requires applicants to have a trading licence, physical location, brand name of the product and factory capacity.

Terry Kahuma, the head of UNBS, explained that companies would be issued with quality marks “S” and “Q” after inspection.

The manufacturers will be allowed to fix the quality marks on the packaging as an assurance to customers that the products conform to standards.

“The exercise is targeting promotion of quality and standards in these industries, improved company image and customer confidence in the products through minimised complaints,” said Kahuma.

Patrick Sekitoleko, the UNBS manager for quality assurance, said the manufacture of sub-standard goods had become a national concern.

He called upon the public to report unscrupulous dealers to the authorities. Sekitoleko disclosed that plans were underway to implement the multi-stakeholders’ night operations to check on the dealers who reportedly distribute fake goods under the cover darkness. Gorette Nakiboneka, a health officer at Kampala City Council, complained that dealers in locally-packed water had turned out to be a threat to the lives of their customers.

These, she said, sell cheap unboiled water.

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