Inside UNBS fight against counterfeits

MUKONO - Consumers in Uganda, especially those who frequently buy goods from street vendors, have been urged to take greater personal responsibility to avoid substandard and potentially harmful products.

Daniel Arorwa, Manager of Market Surveillance at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), sounded the warning during a media training workshop on standards and metrology held at Ridar Hotel in Mukono district.

Arorwa emphasised the need for vigilance when making purchases, noting that increased public awareness is critical in the fight against counterfeit, substandard and non-compliant goods.

UNBS laboratory role

At the heart of quality assurance in Uganda is the UNBS laboratory, which plays a central role in product testing and certification.

According to laboratory officials, most samples received originate from manufacturers seeking product certification.

“Most of our samples come from manufacturers who want their products assessed to confirm that they meet the required standards,” said Duncan Mugume, a Sample Reception Officer at UNBS.

The second largest category comprises walk-in clients, individuals or businesses that voluntarily submit products for testing.

The laboratory also receives samples from importers whose goods must be tested before being released onto the Ugandan market.

In addition, UNBS operates a market surveillance team that collects samples directly from shops and markets across the country to assess compliance and the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms.

“The market surveillance team helps us determine whether our systems are working or whether some non-compliant products have slipped through the cracks,” Mugume noted.
Samples are also generated during standards development processes, where research and analysis are conducted before new standards are finalised.

Payment and registration

For external clients, testing begins with payment of prescribed fees. Upon arrival at the laboratory, proof of payment is verified before samples are formally received.

“One of the most common inquiries we receive concerns testing fees, how much a particular test costs, and what procedures are involved,” Mugume explained.

While some internal samples from other UNBS departments may undergo special approval processes, all external clients must complete payment before testing proceeds.

Wide range of products tested

The UNBS laboratory handles a diverse range of products used in Uganda, including food and beverages such as wines, construction materials, mattresses, petroleum products and various consumer goods.

However, certain bulky or specialised items such as electrical transformers and sensitive military equipment are tested on-site.

“Large or specialised equipment cannot be transported here, so our teams conduct on-site testing,” Mugume said.

Arorwa emphasised the need for vigilance when making purchases, noting that increased public awareness is critical in the fight against counterfeit, substandard and non-compliant goods. (Credit: Barbra Kabahumuza)

Modern tracking system

Once received, samples are logged into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), where each is assigned a unique identification number for tracking.

After registration, samples are forwarded to the relevant departments, including chemistry, microbiology, electrical, petroleum and engineering materials.

“We receive the samples, interact with clients, register them in the system and then forward them to the appropriate testing section,” Mugume added.

Turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the test. Some analyses are completed within days, while more specialised examinations take longer.

Through structured procedures, modern systems and specialised departments, the laboratory continues to safeguard consumer health and support Uganda’s quality assurance framework.

Monitoring toxic contaminants

Amos Tumuhairwe, Senior Analyst and Head of the Contaminants Section, underscored the importance of monitoring toxic substances in food products.

“When we talk about contaminants, we mean harmful substances that may enter food and become poisonous once consumed,” he said.

Among the heavy metals routinely tested are lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.
“These metals are toxic and can cause serious health complications if present above permissible levels,” Tumuhairwe noted.

He explained that exposure to heavy metals can have severe consequences. Mercury, sometimes found in cosmetics, has been linked to serious illnesses, including cancer. Lead contamination can impair a child’s growth and brain development, while arsenic and cadmium exposure have been associated with organ damage and long-term health risks.

“For example, if a child consumes food contaminated with lead, their physical and neurological development may be affected,” he said.

Monitoring methanol in alcohol

Eva Namutebi, senior analyst at UNBS, said chromatography techniques are used to detect and quantify substances such as methanol, ethanol, mycotoxins and caffeine.

One of the most critical tests conducted focuses on methanol contamination in alcoholic beverages.

Methanol is a toxic type of alcohol not intended for human consumption. In high concentrations, it can cause blindness and death, while even moderate exposure can lead to serious health complications.

“Methanol is a contaminant. It is not supposed to be present in alcoholic drinks. When levels are too high, it can be fatal,” Namutebi said.

In contrast, ethanol is the consumable form of alcohol, although excessive intake can still impair judgment and brain function.

Microbiology laboratory

Jenina Ahumuza, a Standards Officer and Analyst in the Microbiology Section at UNBS, explained how the microbiology laboratory ensures products on the market are safe for public use.

“At UNBS, we have several laboratories, but this is the microbiology laboratory,” she said during a guided tour.

Samples first pass through the central reception unit before being forwarded to the microbiology section, where they are logged and stored appropriately.

“We receive different types of samples, including cosmetics, drinks, spices, pepper, honey and water,” Ahumuza said.

Each sample is stored according to its specific requirements. Refrigerated items are kept in refrigerators, while frozen products are placed in freezers to preserve their integrity before analysis.

“Temperature control is very important in microbiology because improper storage can alter the results,” she noted.