UNBS Warns Against Uncertified Products, Says They Endanger Public Safety

9 March 2026, 3:17 pm

By Nakato Annet

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned manufacturers, traders, and importers against distributing products that have not been certified, warning that such goods pose serious risks to public health and safety.

Speaking during a training on standards and metrology for journalists in Mukono District, UNBS Market Surveillance Manager Daniel Oraro said allowing uncertified products onto the market exposes consumers to potential harm.

Oraro noted that UNBS frequently intercepts consignments of goods, including beverages, that have not been approved for safety and quality.

If producers are allowed to use the public as guinea pigs, it becomes extremely dangerous. Sometimes we intercept a consignment of drinks and inform the distributor that it cannot be released because it has not been certified,” he said.

He explained that certification ensures products are tested at every stage of production from raw materials to processing and distribution to confirm they are safe for consumption.

Oraro also raised concerns about poor food handling practices, warning that items such as bread should not be transported in unhygienic conditions, such as being carried on a person’s bare chest or exposed to dust while on motorcycles.

He said such poor handling can lead to food poisoning, which consumers often blame on manufacturers even though contamination may occur during transportation.

He further stressed the need for regular calibration of equipment used in sectors such as healthcare, trade, and industry.

Meanwhile, the Head of Marketing and Public Relations at UNBS, Sylvia Kirabo, warned that substandard products pose serious health, safety, and economic risks.

Kirabo said consumption of contaminated food can lead to illness, while the use of substandard construction materials has in some cases resulted in building collapses and loss of lives.

She also highlighted dangers associated with poor quality electrical products, noting that faulty extension cables and poorly insulated wires can cause electric shocks or house fires.

UNBS says strict enforcement of standards and certification processes is vital to safeguard consumers, promote fair trade, and maintain the quality of products available in the Ugandan market.