Published on 16/12/2024
Parliament has criticized the prolonged delays in certifying Ugandan-made products, calling out inefficiencies at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). MPs revealed that certification can take up to a year, stifling industrial growth and discouraging local innovation.
The issue was brought to light by Speaker Anita Among during today’s plenary session, where she shared complaints from manufacturers about the long certification delays, which they say are frustrating their businesses.
“I have received multiple complaints about UNBS regarding audits and the issuance of certificates. You are aware that UNBS is responsible for ensuring that standards are met and enforced. It’s critical that they carry out audits and issue certificates on time to help the business community sell their products and prevent the assumption that they are counterfeits,” remarked Among.
The Speaker’s concerns were echoed by Naboth Namanya (Rubabo County), who emphasized that if adequately supported, UNBS could drive Uganda’s economic development. However, he noted that the bureau is struggling with significant financial and human resource challenges that hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate.
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“UNBS faces challenges in funding and staffing, which has harmed many Ugandans in manufacturing. The turnaround time for certification is nearly 12 months from the time a product is submitted for approval, while in Kenya, it takes less than a month,” said Namanya.
Samuel Opio, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, raised concerns about the conflicting mandates of UNBS and the National Drug Authority (NDA) regarding the regulation and certification of medical supplies like condoms and gloves. He explained that there have been instances where the two agencies have issued contradictory reports on the same products.
“UNBS regulates any product made from rubber materials, including gloves and condoms, which fall under their mandate. However, the NDA also regulates medicines and medical supplies. There have been cases where one agency has approved products while the other has failed them. We need legal clarification on which entity should oversee these items,” Opio explained.
He also highlighted the issue of product certification expiration, which causes problems for manufacturers. After a product is certified, if the certificate expires after one year, UNBS requires manufacturers to reapply for certification. However, the renewal process often takes over three months, during which time manufacturers are unable to export or produce additional products.
“It is critical that the Attorney General provides guidance on which entity has the authority to regulate these products, and if the law needs to be amended, we should proceed with the necessary changes,” added Opio.
Jane Pacuto (Pakwach DWR) also criticized UNBS for failing to enforce standards in the fishing industry, where illegal fishing gear is widely used. She pointed out that such gear is often imported into Uganda under the agency’s watch.
“There are illegal fishing gears on the market, yet UNBS should be ensuring that only acceptable products are allowed into the country. Fishermen are asking why these gears are allowed in Uganda. If they’re being produced locally, why is the government allowing them on the market, and if they’re imported, why isn’t UNBS stopping them?” Pacuto said.
David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, attributed the delays in product certification to the rapid expansion of Uganda’s industrial sector, which has outpaced the growth of UNBS’s human resources. He also noted that some manufacturers fail to provide the necessary documents required for the certification process.
“The industrial sector has grown significantly, from 85 factories in 1986 to 9,400 today. This expansion has put pressure on UNBS to monitor and inspect all products and ensure they meet the required standards. The process should ideally take around two months. We will provide a report to MPs on how many products have been applied for, approved, and certified,” Bahati explained.
The Minister acknowledged that delays also occur when companies fail to submit required documentation promptly, although he emphasized that product safety must remain a priority. He reiterated the need for more resources for UNBS to recruit additional staff for certification and enforcement.
On the issue of overlapping responsibilities between UNBS and NDA, Minister Bahati revealed that the government is working on an amendment to the National Drug Authority Act to harmonize the roles of the two agencies. This will clarify which products fall under the jurisdiction of UNBS and which are regulated by NDA.
“UNBS is mandated to ensure the safety of Ugandans by maintaining product standards that meet international requirements. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that regulations are streamlined, preventing confusion and improving efficiency,” Bahati concluded.
