KAMPALA, May 20, 2026 — Uganda has joined the rest of the world in marking World Metrology Day 2026, with different stakeholders and speakers calling for stronger measurement systems to promote fair trade, consumer protection and evidence-based policymaking.
The national commemoration was held on Wednesday at Hotel Africana in Kampala under the theme, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making”, bringing together government officials, manufacturers, consumer rights advocates, media, academicians, and private sector players among others.
Speaking at the event, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards [UNBS] Executive Director Eng. James N. Kasigwa said reliable measurement systems are central to Uganda’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
“Measurement is at the heart of development, ensuring fairness, safety and quality in every aspect of our lives,” Kasigwa said. “As Uganda advances industrially, investing in reliable measurement systems is essential for transparency, competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
He said metrology, the science of measurement, remains critical in sectors such as health, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing, warning that informal market transactions conducted without standardised measurements undermine fairness and erode consumer confidence.
Kasigwa added that strengthening Uganda’s measurement infrastructure would support innovation, research and the value addition of natural resources, while also preparing the next generation to support a resilient industrial economy.
Representing the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC], Permanent Secretary Lynette B. Bagonza said accurate measurements were vital for building public trust and strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
“Accurate measurements are instruments of fairness, accountability, confidence and economic transformation,” Bagonza said.
She noted that reliable measurement systems help ensure consumers receive the correct quantity and quality of goods and services, while supporting fair trade, industrialisation and exports.
Denis Ainebyona, Commissioner for Industry at MTIC and a member of the National Standards Council, said robust metrology systems were essential for sustainable national development.
“Accurate measurements are essential in building trust in policymaking, promoting fair trade, protecting consumers, strengthening industries and driving sustainable national development,” Ainebyona said.
He said Uganda continued to align its national measurement systems with international best practices in areas including manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, engineering and environmental protection.
Officials at the event also highlighted concerns about inaccurate measurements in informal markets, fuel stations and utility services, arguing that routine verification of weighing scales, fuel pumps and utility meters was necessary to improve accountability and transparency.
Sylvia Kirabo, Head of Public Relations and Marketing at UNBS, said accurate measurement systems protected consumers from financial loss and encouraged honest business practices.
During a panel discussion, Richard Henry Kimera, Chief Executive Officer of Global Consumer Centre Uganda, called for stronger partnerships and stricter verification systems to improve compliance with standards.
“Strong measurement systems protect consumers, promote fair trade and strengthen public confidence in the quality of goods and services,” he said.
Dr Leatitiah Namubiru, Manager of Legal Metrology at UNBS, said industries could not innovate or compete effectively without reliable measurements and standards.
“Measurement is the foundation of trust in manufacturing, trade and consumer protection,” she said.
UNBS Acting Deputy Executive Director for Compliance, Deus Mubangizi, warned that poor calibration and inaccurate measurements could have serious consequences across industries, including healthcare and engineering.
“Calibration and measurement are fundamental to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our equipment across various industries,” Mubangizi said, adding that investment in metrology was essential for safety, quality assurance and economic growth.
Private sector leaders also used the occasion to call for greater awareness and compliance with standards.
Ezra Muhumuza, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, said accurate measurements were critical for maintaining quality, safety and consumer confidence in manufacturing.
Abbas Mutyaba, Chairman of the Construction Hardware and Dealers Association, urged continuous training for manufacturers, engineers and dealers to improve standards compliance in the construction sector.
The celebrations come at a time when Uganda’s micro, small and medium enterprises are seeking greater access to regional and global markets, with officials arguing that fair and accurate measurements are necessary to support productivity, competitiveness and sustainable trade.
https://thecooperator.news/amuru-rice-dealers-on-the-spot-over-cheating-customers/
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