Consumer protection policy in offing

By Saudha Nakandha

Government is to table a consumer protection policy aimed at protecting consumers plight.

Trade and Industry minister, Amelia Kyambadde, made the revelation during a meeting with a delegation from Zambia. The meeting was held at the trade ministry in Kampala.

After a detailed briefing from the Zambian delegation on how the policy is implemented in Zambia, Kyambadde said the Government is keen to enforce it to deter unscrupulous businessmen from cheating consumers.

“Zambians have challenged us on this. We have been concentrating on other pressing issues in the ministry but now is the time for us to give immediate attention to the consumer policy,”Kyambadde said.

The delegation was led by the Economic affairs labour delegate at the Zambia trade ministry, Charles Kakoma.

Kyambadde noted that the consumer protection policy will help in promoting economic efficiency while enhancing consumer choice and development in the country.

Kakoma supported Uganda Government’s move towards the consumer protection policy, saying the public would be protected against purchasing substandard goods.

“The consumer protection policy is the only way of protecting the vulnerable consumers of any country. In Zambia for instance it has been successful,” he said.

“When you buy something and you find out that it is fake, the seller is supposed to give you back your money on return, if he (the shop keeper) fails to comply, he/she is penalized under the law,” Kakoma added.

Kyambadde and the Zambian delegation also discussed issues related to on how Uganda’s response to liberalization challenges, organisation policies, and minimum wage among others.

Regionally, the consumer protection policy is effective in the neighbouring Rwanda.