The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has conducted a market surveillance operation in Kampala, seizing approximately 79 tonnes of underweight cement, equivalent to 1,077 bags. The operation targeted cement dealers at Goodshed-Biwologoma, along Entebbe Road. UNBS' ongoing market surveillance activities aim to protect consumers from underweight prepackaged goods and substandard products. The seized cement was found to have an actual weight below the declared weight on the packaging.
The UNBS surveillance team inspected 29 cement stores and outlets, finding cement that did not comply with mandatory standards and declared specifications. In addition to the underweight cement, over 4 tonnes of empty cement packaging bags and other materials indicating possible repackaging of cement were seized. These items were found at various businesses, including Alizahad Ventures, Goodshade, and Kampala City Walusimbi Store.
UNBS Senior Surveillance Officer, Ms. Sarah Nantongo, stated that the operation demonstrates the Bureau's commitment to ensuring fair trade and that consumers receive the accurate product quantity they pay for. She emphasized that any practice compromising product quantity, including repackaging and sale of underweight commodities, is unacceptable. UNBS will continue to undertake market surveillance and take enforcement action against non-compliant products and businesses.
The businesses found with suspected underweight cement and empty cement packaging bags include Good Shade Complex, Entebbe Road Kateregga's Store, and Goodshed - Biwologoma An unknown Store. Others include Goodshed - Biwologoma Hajj Kababba Store 1, Civic Centre Parish, Nkurumah Zone, Railway Good Shade, Entebbe Road, Kampala Hajji Kababba Store II, Railway Goodshed, Entebbe Road - Kampala.
UNBS is pursuing enforcement action against the responsible business proprietors in accordance with the law. The suspects apprehended during the operation were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department of Uganda Police (CID). Further investigations and follow-up inspections will be undertaken to ensure compliance with standards.
The operation was conducted in accordance with the UNBS Act, Cap 210; UNBS Market Surveillance Regulations, 2022; US EAS 18-1:2017, Cement - Part 1: Composition, Specification and Conformity Criteria for Common Cements; and US 1028:2013, Labelling Requirements for Pre-packaged Products. UNBS cautions traders against selling underweight or non-conforming commodities and against illegal repackaging and adulteration.
Consumers are encouraged to check product labels and report suspected cases of substandard products to UNBS through toll-free lines 0800133133 / 0800233233. The Bureau's efforts aim to protect consumers and promote fair trade practices in the market.
Key points
- The Uganda National Bureau of Standards seized 79 tonnes of underweight cement in a market operation in Kampala.
- The operation targeted cement dealers at Goodshed-Biwologoma, along Entebbe Road, and found non-compliant cement at 29 stores and outlets.
- UNBS will continue to undertake market surveillance and take enforcement action against non-compliant products and businesses.
