UNBS to work with trader associations in enforcing standards

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards is set to collaborate with local traders’ associations to sensitize traders on understanding substandard products and fighting masqueraders.

Patricia Bagaine, the Deputy Executive Director in charge of standards says some of the trader associations they will collaborate with include Uganda Manufacturers Association, Isingiro Traders Community Association, Mbarara Business Traders Association, UWILL Women Enterprise among others.

Bagaine says the biggest challenge they are facing is that the people lack knowledge on calibration of products, product standards and weigh scales noting that the collaboration with private sector is intended to improve the knowledge of standard within the private sector.

She says it will be easier for them to educate traders and the communities when they work through associations.

Bagaine further says that as the Bureau, they are short of staff which makes it hard for them to meet traders one by one and with different needs or demands, noting that the associations will help the Bureau get close to the traders within the associations.

She says they will focus on teaching traders on how to use the technology that the Bureau is putting in place to improve and get services closer to the business community.

James Mugume, the chairperson Mugume Namani Association welcomed the collaboration saying they are challenged by masqueraders who fleece them of money.

He says the bureau needs to carry out routine monitoring and operations, noting that with the collaboration for sensitization, they will as the business community assist themselves fight the masqueraders.

Stephen Mwesigye, the chairperson Kabingo Business Community says they have had a challenge of measuring scales and substandard products but with collaboration with UNBS, will improve on the quality of services they provide.

He says the association leaders will be tasked with mobilizing their members and UNBS will be there to sensitize them.

Uganda National Bureau of Standards works to ensure the standards of products used by people, measurements and assessment of services for improved quality of human life.