UNBS Warns Traders Over Unverified Weighing Scales

16 March 2026, 6:51 pm

By Annet Nakato.

Traders using weighing scales have been urged to present their equipment for verification and calibration during scheduled inspection camps or risk having them confiscated.

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Market Surveillance Manager Daniel Oraro said the agency operates an all year round inspection calendar, moving to different districts to check and calibrate weighing scales used in trade.

He explained that the exercise is meant to ensure that weighing machines remain accurate, noting that continuous use can cause defects that lead to under measurement.

When a scale is supposed to read one kilogram, overuse may cause inaccuracies, meaning the customer gets less than what they paid for, Oraro explained.

However, he noted that some traders hide their weighing scales whenever verification teams conduct inspections.

UNBS has warned that failure by traders to voluntarily present their equipment leaves enforcement teams with no option but to confiscate non-compliant scales.

Traders have also been reminded to use only approved weighing scales designed for commercial trade.

Handheld or hanging scales are not permitted for retail transactions because they are prone to manipulation and inaccuracies.

Some traders welcomed the exercise, saying it helps build trust with customers.

Namutebi, a trader, said verification helps assure buyers that they are receiving the correct quantities.

When my scale is inspected and approved, customers gain confidence in my business, she said.

Another trader, Musa Ssemanda, who sells cereals, said regular calibration protects both traders and customers from losses. Sometimes a scale can develop faults without us knowing.

When UNBS checks it, we are sure we are giving the right measurements, he noted.

Consumers have also been urged to remain vigilant and insist on proper, approved weighing equipment to avoid being cheated.