The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has raided cement dealers in Kampala and seized underweight cement, equivalent to 1,077 bags.
The operation was conducted at Goodshed-Biwologoma along Entebbe Road as part of UNBS’ ongoing market surveillance aimed at protecting consumers from underweight and substandard products.
UNBS said its surveillance team inspected 29 cement stores and outlets, where it discovered cement whose actual weight was below the quantities declared on the packaging.
The team also seized empty cement packaging bags and other materials suspected to have been used or intended for the repackaging of cement.
Among the businesses found with suspected underweight cement and empty packaging bags were Alizahad Ventures, Walusimbi Store, Kateregga’s Store, Hajj Kababba Store I and II, Bosco’s Shop and Nambooze Lime Stores, alongside several other outlets in the Goodshed area.
UNBS Senior Surveillance Officer Sarah Nantongo said the operation was intended to ensure consumers receive the quantity and quality of products they pay for.
“Consumers have a right to receive the accurate product quantity as declared on a product. Any practice that deliberately compromises the quantity of a product, including the repackaging and sale of underweight commodities is unacceptable,” Nantongo said.
She warned that the Bureau would continue targeting businesses that violate mandatory standards.
“UNBS will continue to undertake market surveillance and take appropriate enforcement action against products and businesses that do not comply with mandatory standards,” she added.
The suspects apprehended during the operation were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Uganda Police Force for further investigations.
UNBS said enforcement action is being pursued against the responsible business proprietors in accordance with the law, while further investigations and follow-up inspections will continue.
The operation was conducted under the UNBS Act, Cap 210, the UNBS Market Surveillance Regulations, 2022, and standards governing cement composition, specifications, conformity and labelling requirements for pre-packaged products.
UNBS has cautioned traders against selling underweight or otherwise non-conforming commodities, as well as illegal repackaging and adulteration.
Consumers have been urged to check product labels and report suspected cases of substandard products to UNBS.
