The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has partnered with district and city commercial officers to develop a framework aimed at helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) comply with product standards and access certification services.
The initiative follows growing concerns over the increasing presence of substandard consumer goods, including food products, beverages, and cosmetics, on the Ugandan market. The issue was recently highlighted by the Auditor General, who raised concerns about the proliferation of products that do not meet required quality standards.
The proposed framework is expected to provide clear guidelines on how commercial officers can support businesses in meeting regulatory requirements, registering with UNBS, and improving product quality. It is also intended to strengthen efforts to reduce the circulation of substandard goods across local markets.
The programme was launched during a three-day engagement between UNBS officials and commercial officers from the Ankole and Kigezi sub-regions held at Rwizi Hotel in Mbarara City.
Speaking during the workshop, UNBS Principal Certification Officer Abubakar Bakuru Mpagi said commercial officers are strategically placed to support SMEs because they have direct contact with businesses operating within their respective districts. However, he noted that many officers require additional technical knowledge to effectively guide entrepreneurs through standards compliance and certification processes.
Mpagi said equipping commercial officers with the necessary skills will improve enforcement efforts and help address challenges posed by informal enterprises that often operate outside established regulatory systems.
He explained that a significant number of SMEs remain unregistered despite having products on the market, making it difficult for UNBS to monitor compliance and provide the necessary support. Although the bureau has expanded its presence through regional offices, many entrepreneurs, particularly in remote areas, continue to face difficulties accessing its services.
According to Mpagi, SMEs remain a vital pillar of Uganda’s economy, contributing significantly to employment creation and the supply of goods and services consumed by the public. He stressed that all businesses, regardless of their size, have a responsibility to comply with national standards to guarantee consumer safety and maintain product quality.
He added that commercial officers will act as a critical link between UNBS and business owners by offering guidance on certification requirements, registration procedures, and other compliance-related matters.
Mbarara District Commercial Officer Adams Bwisho welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will strengthen cooperation between UNBS and local government authorities.
Bwisho said closer collaboration is necessary to address the growing challenge of counterfeit and substandard products, noting that commercial officers are well-positioned to support enforcement and awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
Business owners also expressed support for the programme. Denis Mbaine, proprietor of Baine Maize Flour for Nutrition, said empowering commercial officers would help bridge the gap between regulators and SMEs, especially in rural communities where access to technical support is often limited.
Mbaine noted that many entrepreneurs require guidance on certification and standards compliance and that local commercial officers can provide a more accessible source of information and assistance.
He expressed confidence that the initiative will simplify the registration process for SMEs and contribute to improved product quality across the market.
UNBS officials believe that involving commercial officers more directly in standards sensitisation and compliance monitoring will strengthen oversight and encourage more businesses to meet the requirements needed to compete in local and regional markets.
English 