Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) developed processes for operations, assessment and enforcement of standards to improve product quality. Uganda has 3,600 compulsory and voluntary standards that are prone to updating or withdrawal when new product developments arise. UNBS currently enforces three standards namely: National (Uganda Standards [US]); Regional (harmonized EAC standards [EAS]); and International Standards [ISO]).
Findings from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) study show that manufacturers presented diverse opinions regarding effectiveness of standards enforcement processes. Whereas approaches to enforce standardization were dubbed as “less effective,” conformity assessment and metrology-related activities were rated “effective” albeit the complexity of standards. The study therefore recommends regular evaluation of the legal and regulatory framework, enhanced training and staffing of UNBS, simplifying standards and empowering local authorities to augment UNBS in standards enforcement.