UNBS: 80% of electronic goods on the market are fake
The Uganda National Bureau of standards yesterday carried out a crackdown on fake electronics around Kampala during which it was discovered that 80% of the electronic goods on the market are substandard.
The joint police, and UNBS operation began at Energy Centre where a majority of shops deal in electronics.
Keep Reading
- > UNBS warns against extortion scam targeting business community
- > UNBS, partner states to develop calibration and verification procedures for road tankers
- > UNBS introduces stricter measures for importation of used motor vehicles
- > Alcohol bill: Uganda Exports Promotions Board concerned over duplications
Here, the instruction was no trader was allowed to exit the premises until their shops were searched.
On arrival, UNBS officials would demand traders to present their items, and assessed the standard.
The items deemed substandard would be confiscated.
Among the items impounded were water heaters, extension cables, bulbs and sockets.
The group then headed to Light Centre Arcade to conduct similar operation
The standards body said they had discovered 80% of the electronics did not meet the basic minimum standards.
During the ensuing operation some vendors rushed to close their shops avoiding the UNBS swoop by a whisker.
Godwin Muwezi the public relations officer UNBS said the operation was aimed at ensuring that the country is rid of fake electronics which can be harmful to consumers.
Some of the affected traders questioned UNBS action saying they had not been given prior warning. Others said it is ironical that the same goods that are given a clean bill of health at the border are said to be substandard.
