Commonwealth Standards Network launches programme to support UNBS and small scale agricultural producers

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in collaborating with the British Standards Institution (BSI), on Tuesday launched the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) Programme, at Kampala Skyz Hotel.

The CSN program will support UNBS to achieve its strategic objectives and support agricultural and other value chains; in complying with international best practices.

UNBS Executive Director, Dr. Ben Manyindo, said; the support from the Commonwealth Network will go a long way in improving the competitiveness of local products in international markets which will improve Uganda balance of trade, especially among the selected value chains.

“The Programme will support finalisation of the National Standardisation Strategy and will provide targeted technical assistance in improving the core UNBS functions – such as testing, certification and inspections. It also aims to raise awareness of product requirements and commitment to quality in a number of agricultural and related value chains; where difficulties are being experienced in exporting fruit, vegetables, fish and other commodities”, he added.

David Livingstone Ebiru, UNBS Deputy executive director, in charge of Management and Financial Services, said UNBS test laboratories, the national metrology laboratory and the certification and import inspection departments will benefit from specialised training and a range of capacity-building interventions, led by international and regional industry experts.

Additionally, existing standards and guideline documents for agricultural and related goods will be simplified and translated, and training will be provided to grass roots producers.

Stanley Ahmbisibwe, Assistant Commissioner Quality Assurance and Standards in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives said: “Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver a number of important benefits.

“This includes; further enhancing Uganda’s ability to maintain quality standards for its products and services, especially food exports to international trading partners, as well as greater awareness about the benefits of UNBS services and activities among Medium and Small Enterprise (MSME’s). Ultimately, these interventions will help UNBS to continue to set the effective standards for consumer safety, environmental protection and facilitate access to international markets for Ugandan products targeting the Commonwealth nations” he said.

David Bell, CSN Programme Director of Standards, said the program was announced in the UK during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in May 2018.

“The programme, funded by the UK Department for International Development and implemented by the British Standards Institution (BSI), sets out to: Facilitate the growth of global value chains in the Commonwealth developing economies, particularly in supported sectors; increase the volume of products and services exported from Commonwealth developing economies, among others”, he said.