KAMPALA, Uganda – Ugandan manufacturers have called for wide-ranging reforms at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), urging Parliament to improve transparency in product certification fees, decentralise laboratory services and review the institution’s governance structure.
The proposals were presented to Parliament’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperativesduring discussions on the performance and operations of UNBS, government agency responsible for developing and enforcing product standards in Uganda.
Manufacturers argued that the current certification process is costly, slow and, in some cases, discourages investment.
Appearing before the committee, Peter Kasirye, Chairperson of the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, said many manufacturers are required to pay identical certification fees for similar products produced on the same production line.
He argued that the practice unnecessarily increases production costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Kasirye urged Parliament to review the fee structure to make certification more transparent, predictable and affordable, saying this would improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
He also called for the decentralisation of UNBS laboratories to reduce the time and cost businesses incur when seeking product testing and certification.
According to manufacturers, expanding laboratory services beyond Kampala would make regulatory services more accessible to businesses operating in other parts of the country.
Former Bwamba County MP Richard Gafabusa also appeared before the committee, where he raised concerns about the governance and management structure of UNBS.
Gafabusa said overlapping responsibilities between the National Standards Council and the management of UNBS have created conflicts, delayed decision-making and weakened accountability within the institution.
He called on Parliament to undertake a comprehensive review of the UNBS Act to clearly separate governance and operational responsibilities.
According to Gafabusa, restructuring UNBS into a leaner and more technically focused institution would improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery.
UNBS plays a critical role in protecting consumers, supporting local industries and facilitating Uganda’s regional and international trade by ensuring products meet required quality and safety standards.
Manufacturers say improving transparency, reducing certification costs and streamlining decision-making would encourage investment, enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan products and make it easier for businesses to comply with national standards.
The Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is expected to consider the proposals as part of its ongoing oversight of UNBS.
Lawmakers could recommend amendments to the UNBS Act and other administrative reforms aimed at improving the bureau’s efficiency, governance and service delivery.
