UNBS tips millers to embrace modern machinery

Sep 29, 2020

However, city millers under their umbrella organisation, say they have not been supported by the government despite the crucial role they play in the economy.

UNBS|MAIZE|MILLERS|QUALITY FOOD

KAMPALA - The recent controversy in poor quality of distributed maize flour to the needy members of the public affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, was an eye opener to the government standards body.

This is why Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the government's watchdog for standards, took samples from procured maize flour that was pending distribution for testing in ascertaining its quality for human consumption, though some failed the test.

Dr. Ben Manyindo, the UNBS executive director, said though local Miller's have tried their best to supply local and regional markets with maize food and other byproducts, the technology applied is outdated, compromising safety of lives among consumers of the products.

However, millers blame the government for not supporting them.

He said it is high-time Millers merged for procuring better and modern plants that extract all the impurities that are not good for human consumption.

"The level of hygiene among Millers and the storage practices for the maize grains and flour is still another challenge," said Dr. Manyindo.

However, city millers under their umbrella organisation, Kisenyi Millers Association, said they have not been supported by the government despite the crucial role they play in the economy.

Frank Mulugo, the association administration officer said members have for long been complaining about the high electricity costs and have never received any positive response.

Millers claim that the current farm-gate price for maize grain is between Sh500 and Sh700 per kilogram, which is too low for a farmer to earn a living after meeting the operating costs based on the current value of the shilling.

He said, currently, their operation is under threat with escalating rent and lack of capacity to identify grains that are contaminated as revealed by UNBS.

Moses Kisitu, a maize miller based in Kampala, said Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted their operation with limited supply for maize flour.

He added that closure of schools due to Covid is also among the major challenges they are facing for schools are a major market.

"The current static low farm-gate price for maize grain is between Sh500 and Sh700 per kilogram, this is too low for a farmer to earn a living after meeting the operating costs based on the current value of the shilling," Kisitu said.