The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has released a list of 57 companies it says are certified to manufacture non-medical face masks as the country battles the second wave of Covid-19.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, UNBS said the companies have been certified to produce 2-layered reusable facemasks.
“In the wake of the 2nd Wave of COVID-19 infections, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) under its mandate of ensuring the quality and safety of Non-Medical Face Marks on market hereby notifies the public of the 57 Companies certified to manufacture Non-Medical Face Masks as of 28th June, 2021,” UNBS said.
The companies include Aiduk Group Limited, Amani Health and Beauty Products – SMC Ltd, Beier Safety & Security Limited, Beniva Limited, Big Concepts Enterprises Limited, Biogenics Limited, Chrisams Designs Limited, Christex Garment Industry Limited, Cleaning & General Supplies Enterprises (U) Ltd (CGS) and Collaborating Operational Services for Scientific Researchers (U) Limited.
They also include Contaplast Ventures Limited, Crane Clothing Company – SMC Ltd, Dag and Bragan Limited, Didas Uniform Makers Limited, Excel Brands (U) Limited, Fine Media Limited, Fine Spinners (Uganda) Limited, Fresh Fashion Collections Limited, Fundi Building Centre Limited, Gabirica Garments Limited, Geno-Hitech Uganda Limited, GNI Tailoring and Technical Training Center Ltd and Graecon Designs Limited.
The companies are in addition to the six, which were certified by UNBS to make free facemasks which government distributed to all Ugandans aged six and above in 2020.
According to the guidelines given by the Ministry of Health, face masks should be “preferably 100 per cent cotton, double layered with a pouch for a filter which can be polypropylene, tissue or toilet paper. It should be wide enough to cover the nose, mouth and the chin. The loops should not be too tight for comfort.”