The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has issued a strong directive to all supermarkets across the country, mandating them to stock only UNBS-certified locally manufactured products. This bold move aims to eliminate substandard goods from the market and protect consumers from potentially dangerous products.

At a recent meeting with supermarket owners held at the UNBS headquarters in Bweyogerere, officials made it clear that the time for warnings is over. From now on, any supermarket found selling uncertified or expired products will face the full force of the law.

Ms. Sylvia Kirabo, UNBS Head of Public Relations and Marketing, explained the urgent need for this crackdown. “During our routine market inspections nationwide, we’ve discovered some new supermarket operators deliberately stocking uncertified products,” she revealed. “Even worse, some are taking advantage of consumers by selling expired goods. This practice must stop immediately.”

The UNBS team emphasized that supermarkets play a critical role as the last line of defense between manufacturers and consumers. When supermarkets fail to verify product standards, they put public health at serious risk.

The meeting also addressed growing concerns about imported products entering supermarkets without proper certification. Mr. Ronald Ahimbisibwe, Acting Manager of the UNBS Imports Inspection department, stressed that all importers must follow the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) process.

“Some importers are trying to cut corners by shipping products before laboratory tests are complete,” Ahimbisibwe noted. “This causes unnecessary delays at borders and increases costs when we’re forced to conduct national inspections.”

PVoC service providers present at the meeting confirmed they frequently deal with impatient importers who want to rush shipments without completing mandatory quality checks. UNBS officials warned that such behavior contributes to the influx of substandard goods that can harm Ugandan consumers.

Supermarket owners expressed appreciation for the sensitization meeting, calling it long overdue. Many requested UNBS to expand its education efforts to include all players in the supply chain – from manufacturers and transporters to warehouse operators and distributors.

“We need everyone in the business ecosystem to understand these standards,” one supermarket representative said. “When one link in the chain fails, it affects all of us and ultimately puts consumers at risk.”

UNBS officials assured attendees that regular sensitization programs will continue across the business community. The bureau plans to conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns to ensure no trader remains ignorant of product certification requirements.

For ordinary Ugandans, this crackdown promises safer shopping experiences. With UNBS-certified products dominating supermarket shelves, consumers can have greater confidence in the quality and safety of what they purchase.

The move also levels the playing field for Ugandan manufacturers who have invested in meeting national standards. By eliminating unfair competition from substandard imports and locally produced goods, legitimate businesses can thrive.

UNBS made it clear that the grace period is over. Market surveillance teams will be conducting unannounced inspections nationwide, and any supermarket found violating the new directive will face legal consequences.

“We’re not here to punish businesses,” Kirabo explained. “We’re here to protect Ugandan consumers and support ethical businesses. Those who follow the rules have nothing to fear.”

As Uganda continues its push for quality infrastructure development, this latest initiative demonstrates UNBS’s commitment to ensuring standards protect both public health and the country’s economic interests. Consumers can now shop with greater confidence, knowing their favorite supermarkets will soon be free from uncertified and potentially dangerous products.

The success of this initiative will depend on consistent enforcement and continued cooperation between UNBS and the business community. If implemented effectively, it could mark a turning point in Uganda’s battle against substandard goods, setting an example for quality assurance across East Africa.