UNBS decentralizes product certification to empower local producers

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is enhancing its service delivery by decentralizing product certification processes, bringing them directly to district commercial offices across the country. This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who previously struggled to access UNBS offices for certification.

According to Mr. Abubaker Bakulu Mpagi, Principal Certification Officer at UNBS, the bureau recognized that limited proximity to its offices was a significant barrier for many producers. “We have been facing a challenge of having too few offices close to producers seeking certification,” Mr. Mpagi stated. “We are therefore empowering district commercial officers to assist them with the preliminary stages of the process without necessarily having to visit our offices.”

This collaboration allows for a streamlined Q-Mark certification process, potentially reducing the time to obtain certification to within a month. District commercial officers will manage initial paperwork, making the system more accessible and less time-consuming for entrepreneurs. This is particularly timely given the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), which has spurred increased production and small-scale manufacturing.

Local commercial officers have welcomed the move. Mr. Kyampa Lubanga, Bugweri District Commercial Officer, expressed his readiness to support the initiative, noting that long distances had made certification a “nightmare” for many. The Jinja City Commercial Officer, Mr. Julius Kabera, also highlighted the benefits of involving local officers, as they possess better knowledge of their communities, which can help mitigate potential resistance during enforcement operations.

UNBS officials emphasized that the Q-Mark certification not only builds consumer confidence but also enhances product marketability and sales. However, they cautioned against lowering product quality after certification, as this can damage the reputation of both the business and UNBS. The decentralization effort is expected to strengthen government programs focused on value addition and formalize more grassroots enterprises, ultimately boosting Uganda’s manufacturing sector.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/local-producers-get-relief-as-unbs-takes-certification-services-to-districts-5512346