Overview:
The concern was raised by Victoria Namutebi Wamala, Senior Communications Manager at UNBS, during a four-day standards and metrology awareness media training held in Mbale City.
Severe understaffing is undermining efforts by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to effectively enforce regulations against the production and sale of counterfeit products across the country.
The concern was raised by Victoria Namutebi Wamala, Senior Communications Manager at UNBS, during a four-day standards and metrology awareness media training held in Mbale City. She said the bureau has registered an increase in fake products in both local and international markets, many of which should be banned, but enforcement remains difficult due to limited personnel.
Namutebi revealed that UNBS currently operates with about 600 staff, yet requires at least 1,200 to effectively monitor and enforce standards nationwide. However, recruitment has been constrained by inadequate funding. She noted that some products, particularly in the beverages and cosmetics sectors, were banned but continue to appear on the market due to enforcement gaps.
According to Namutebi, the staffing shortage has forced UNBS to involve journalists and media practitioners by equipping them with knowledge on standards so they can help disseminate accurate information to the public. She said informed reporting can support consumer awareness and strengthen compliance efforts.
She warned that counterfeit products have negatively impacted bilateral trade and exposed consumers to health risks, as many fake goods are untraceable and may cause illnesses. Namutebi added that counterfeit goods are often sold at lower prices, unfairly disadvantaging manufacturers who invest resources to comply with required standards.
Proxede Ndagire, TradeMark Africa’s Uganda Programs Representative, said the organisation is collaborating with UNBS to ensure products meet both local and international standards. She revealed that efforts are underway to establish regional standard testing laboratories to enhance compliance monitoring.She said plans are in place to set up a laboratory at Busia One Stop Border Post, in addition to existing laboratories in Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale, to strengthen quality assurance and trade facilitation.
Pius Woniala, Microbiology Laboratory Analyst in charge of the Mbale region, said another challenge facing the bureau is that some manufacturers fail to submit their products for testing and certification. Those who do often test once but fail to address identified non-conformities. He noted that UNBS has improved laboratory efficiency by reducing turnaround time for test results to between ten and fourteen days, a move aimed at encouraging more businesses to comply with certification requirements.
Despite the challenges, officials remain optimistic that with increased staffing, improved infrastructure, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders, enforcement against counterfeit products can be strengthened to protect consumers and promote fair trade.
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