UNBS pushes for reform of ‘outdated’ Weights and Measures Law

Uganda’s outdated Weights and Measures Act is under renewed scrutiny, with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives calling for urgent amendments to align the law with modern economic realities and international standards.

Enacted in 1963, the law was designed around colonial-era systems and the needs of sectors that existed at the time. However, officials say Uganda’s economy has evolved significantly over the decades, requiring a more responsive legal framework that supports industrial growth, fair trade, innovation, and international competitiveness.

The calls were made during Uganda’s commemoration of World Metrology Day on May 20, 2026 , held under the theme: “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.” The event highlighted the critical role accurate measurements play in governance, trade, healthcare, manufacturing, and national development.

Speaking at the event, Lynnette Bagonza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said Uganda’s metrology laws must be redesigned to suit the country’s current environment, products, sectors, and cultural practices while also complying with internationally accepted standards.

She noted that harmonized standards are essential if Uganda is to compete effectively in regional and global markets.

The World Metrology Day theme was chosen to spark discussions on the importance of accurate measurement systems in shaping effective policies and driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation in line with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the government’s ten-fold economic growth strategy.

Denis Ayinebyoona, a member of the National Standards Council and Commissioner for Industry at the Ministry, emphasized that metrology should not only concern government institutions but also the private sector because of its direct impact on productivity and competitiveness.

He said industries depend heavily on precision and standardization to maintain quality and efficiency.

UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa described metrology as a foundation for national development, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Quoting management consultant Peter Drucker’s famous saying, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” Kasigwa stressed that reliable measurements are critical in trade, industrialization, innovation, healthcare, environmental protection, and consumer safety.

He said as Uganda expands its industrial base and integrates further into regional and international markets, strengthening the country’s measurement systems will be vital in building trust, improving product quality, and supporting evidence-based policymaking.

Kasigwa also urged both public and private sector players to regularly calibrate measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Using examples from agriculture and healthcare, he warned that outdated or poorly calibrated equipment can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, poor treatment outcomes, and major losses in production and safety.

He added that every sector of Uganda’s economy relies on accurate measurements, particularly sectors targeted under the government’s ten-fold growth strategy, including agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, science, technology, and innovation.

Economist and Makerere University Business School lecturer Dr. Fred Muhumuza said many Ugandans interact with metrology daily without understanding its significance.

He cited common examples such as the use of “teaspoons” in medical prescriptions despite spoons having no standard measurements, arguing that the public often takes measurement systems for granted.

Uganda Manufacturers Association Executive Director Dr. Muhumuza Rubanda pledged to mobilize manufacturers to work more closely with UNBS in promoting metrology awareness, standards compliance, and industry preparedness.

He said accurate measurements are essential in manufacturing because they guarantee quality, safety, fairness in trade, and consumer confidence. According to Rubanda, this year’s World Metrology Day theme reflects the importance of reliable measurement systems in supporting industrial growth, innovation, standards compliance, and access to regional and international markets.

The construction sector was also singled out as one of the areas most affected by poor weights and measurements standards. Inaccurate measurements and substandard materials have frequently been blamed for weak structures and building collapses.

Abbas Mutyaba, Chairperson of the Construction Hardware and Dealers Association (CHADA), said metrology is critical in promoting trust, fairness, and quality in the construction industry.

He noted that compliance with standards helps protect consumers, supports fair trade, and improves confidence in construction materials and products.

Mutyaba also called for continuous training and awareness programs targeting manufacturers, engineers, and dealers to strengthen standards compliance and improve the quality of products on the Ugandan market.