Residents of island and lake-shore communities in Buikwe, Buvuma, and Mukono districts have accused the Uganda National Bureau of Standards of failing to adequately regulate markets, leading to a surge in counterfeit and substandard goods.
The affected areas include Buvuma Island, Koome Island, and Kiyindi Town Council, where locals report widespread sale of substandard products ranging from alcohol and fuel to fishing gear and life jackets.
Residents say the problem stems from the limited reach of UNBS, the government agency mandated to ensure quality standards.
Frank Kiryaija, a resident of Kimi Island in Koome Sub-county, said the remoteness of the islands has contributed to what he described as regulatory neglect.
“Because of our location, government agencies rarely reach us, and this creates opportunities for traders to bring in expired and uncertified products,” he said.
Similar concerns were raised in Buvuma District. George Katabira, a resident of Kirongo, noted that inspections are irregular and often limited to main trading centers, leaving smaller islands unchecked.
“When officials come, they mainly inspect petrol stations selling fuel through single-pump setups and then leave. Many islands are never visited,” he said.
Boat operators have also voiced frustration. Matthias Mbaziira, who operates along the Katosi–Koome route, said poor-quality fuel is commonly sold by dealers who dominate supply chains.
“The petrol we buy is often poor quality. It affects our engines, but there is little follow-up from authorities because the dealers are highly connected,” he said, adding that it has been six years since boat engines in the area were last inspected.
Local leaders warn that the issue extends beyond economic losses to serious public health risks. Isaac Kitongo, Mukono District councillor for Koome Sub-county, raised concerns about unregulated juice and alcoholic drinks entering the market.
“New brands appear frequently, and some have been linked to illness and even deaths,” he said.
Traders dealing in safety equipment echoed similar concerns. Stella Lule, a life jacket vendor, said many products sold are substandard despite high prices, putting passengers at risk.
“You buy them at a high price, but within two months they are worn out,” she said.
Officials, however, say enforcement challenges are compounded by logistical constraints. The islands’ scattered geography and high transport costs make regular inspections difficult.
Amiri Kigundu, Chairperson of Kiyindi Town Council, acknowledged that while some efforts have been made, services remain concentrated in urban centers.
“There is a need to extend these services more consistently to island communities so that people are protected,” he said.
Kigundu also highlighted conflicting enforcement practices, noting that fishing nets certified by UNBS are sometimes confiscated during anti-illegal fishing operations, creating confusion among residents.
In response, Daniel Arora, Head of Market Surveillance at UNBS, admitted there are gaps in coverage due to limited resources but said steps are being taken to improve outreach.
He cited a recent visit to Kalangala as part of efforts to expand services.
Arora added that underserved areas have now been incorporated into UNBS’s operational plan for the next three months, acknowledging that regions with limited oversight have become hotspots for substandard and adulterated products.
The UNBS Act mandates the agency to develop and enforce standards aimed at protecting public health, safety, and the environment, as well as ensuring the quality of goods in the market.
Residents and leaders are now calling for sustained regulatory presence, including regular inspections, arguing that the issue reflects broader concerns about equitable service delivery.
“We need to feel that we are part of the system,” Kiryaija said.
