KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has called on journalists to shift from enforcement-driven reporting to more constructive storytelling that positions standards as drivers of trade, innovation, and economic growth.
Speaking at the Standards and Metrology Journalism Awards 2026, UNBS Principal Public Relations Officer and Spokesperson Sylvia Kirabo said media coverage has long framed standards through a “police-versus-thief” lens, portraying regulation as a barrier rather than a facilitator of business.
“For a long time, reporting on standards has been largely enforcement-focused, yet standards are key enablers of trade, quality assurance, and competitiveness,” Kirabo said.
She noted that UNBS is addressing this gap through a nationwide media capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping journalists with practical knowledge to report more accurately on standards, metrology, and certification processes.
The programme has already trained journalists across different regions, enabling them to simplify technical concepts such as weights, measurements, and calibration for public understanding.
Kirabo said the initiative is also leveraging digital tools, including the UNBS mobile app and e-portal, to enhance fact-checking and verification of certified products.
“We want journalists to report in a way that helps the public understand how standards protect consumers and support businesses,” she added.
The initiative further promotes inclusive trade by encouraging stories that highlight opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as women and youth, positioning standards as a gateway to market access.
To strengthen impactful reporting, UNBS has also provided technical mentorship and competitive story grants, enabling journalists to produce in-depth and investigative content.
Kirabo revealed that most finalists in the awards participated in the training programmes and utilised the grants to develop high-quality stories.
She described the initiative as a critical step in transforming public perception, strengthening consumer confidence, and supporting fair competition.
“Building media capacity is key to promoting quality enterprises and driving Uganda’s industrial growth,” she said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
