Parliament has directed urgent action on the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) following chronic delays and a backlog in processing certification certificates for new product developers.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emphasized that the matter requires immediate attention.
The issues affecting UNBS include prolonged delays in renewing expired certificates and a cumbersome process for releasing containers, which MPs noted can be more challenging than paying taxes.
The delays have frustrated businesses that rely on timely certification to operate legally and safely.
MP Naboth Namanya (FDC, Rubabo County) highlighted that UNBS can take up to 12 months to certify a product, while Kenya’s standards body processes similar requests within one month.
“This delay not only frustrates businesses but also creates opportunities for counterfeit products to enter the market,” Namanya said.
Concerns over UNBS’s capacity and funding were raised by several MPs. Amos Kankunda, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, explained that the agency’s current financing mechanism is a root cause of the inefficiencies.
Understaffing and limited resources have further hampered UNBS’s ability to operate effectively.
The agency has also been embroiled in controversy, with allegations of financial misconduct and bribery involving its executive director.
Parliament has tasked the Committee on Trade with investigating the delays, uncovering the underlying causes, and recommending solutions to improve the efficiency of the certification process.
MPs stressed that reforms are crucial to ensure UNBS can fulfill its mandate of protecting public health, safety, and the environment.