UNBS warns public against counterfeit goods ahead of festive season

Dec 17, 2017

Manyindo advised customers to look for the quality mark, manufacturing and expiry dates for the goods

Manyindo during the press conference. Photos by Wilson Manishimwe

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has warned the public against counterfeit goods, saying they must be vigilant so that they do not become victims.

"You know during festive seasons, we get excited all of us. We want to buy cheap; we want to buy in hurry. We want to please our friends and families. Our message is be careful when you are buying, take time to ensure that you buy the right products," said, Dr Ben Manyindo, the organisation's executive director.

During the press conference at UNBS head offices in Bweyogerere, Manyindo advised customers to look for the quality mark, manufacturing and expiry dates for the goods. He said a good number of expired items are going to be packed in hampers, sold at cheap price.

A UNBS staff walks out of the boardroom after press conference

"Also when you have the problem in the market, we have our toll free number 0800 133133 we should be able to come in and intervene where possible. During this festive season, our budget first is on food and drinks and that does where need to take more caution when we are buying," he stated.

Manyindo advised that clients should get a receipt whenever they buy goods as a guarantee so that "when there is a problem, you can be able go back and when you fail to get redress you can come to UNBS" with a receipt, so that he/she can be traced.

"….if you want a receipt, do not buy from streets and of course we are going to see more people on streets selling cheaply. Our advice as UNBS, we discourage you from buying from streets because you won't find there that person the following day," he stated.

For motorists, he warned that they should only fuel their vehicles with filling stations which have a UNBS stamp.

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