Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)

ENG. JAMES NKAMWESIGA KASIGWA APPOINTED UNBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Hon. Minster of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa has appointed Eng. James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa as the 5th Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) effective 13th May, 2024. Eng. James N. Kasigwa is an Electrical Engineer with an illustrious career, having worked with multinational corporations, private and public sectors, spanning over two decades in leadership and strategic management of expert teams in Science, Technology, Innovation, Standards and the Infrastructure Industry. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s of Science degree in Telecommunication from London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from ESAMI. Prior to this appointment, Eng. Kasigwa has been serving as the Director Science, Technology, Innovation Regulation & Biosafety at the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Uganda. He also served as the Commissioner ICT Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance. The National Standards Council, Management and Staff of UNBS congratulate and welcome Eng. James N. Kasigwa as its 5th Executive Director and looks forward to his dedicated service and stewardship of the UNBS’ Strategic Agenda during his term in Office. UNBS is committed to performing its mandate of developing, promoting and enforcing standards in protection of public health and safety, and the environment against dangerous substandard products as well as ensuring fair trade.

MEMD, UNBS CONDUCT FUEL QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN WEST NILE To combat fuel adulteration in Uganda, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) have conducted a comprehensive awareness campaign in the West Nile region. This effort builds upon the success of the government-led Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring Program (FMQMP), which has dramatically reduced adulteration rates to below 1%. Rev. Justaf Frank Tukwasibwe, Commissioner of the Petroleum Supply Department at MEMD, emphasises the program's goals: "Our goal as the Ministry is to ensure that the fuel supplied to the people of Uganda meets the highest quality and safety standards. Because of this program, fuel adulteration has reduced to less than 1% in Uganda." The awareness campaign includes workshops, radio talk shows, and community engagement activities. Today's workshop in Arua brings together local authorities, fuel operators, industry figures, and the public, underscoring the importance of collaboration in this fight. Eng. John Paul Musimami, Deputy Executive Director of UNBS, explains the practical aspects of the program: "The Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring program utilises mobile testing vehicles for spot sampling and quality checks at fuel stations. This, alongside verifying and calibrating fuel pumps, ensures accurate measurements and protects consumers." Consumer education is also a vital component. "Empowering consumers with knowledge about fuel quality and safety allows them to make informed choices," Eng. Musimami notes. Officials emphasised strict licensing processes and adherence to safety and environmental regulations for petroleum operators. The workshop also outlined fuel quality monitoring procedures and best practices for fuel stations, highlighting the use of technology in combating fraud. The event at Desert Breeze Hotel in Arua City attracted district leaders, security officers, and representatives from across the West Nile districts of Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Moyo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Yumbe, and Zombo. MEMD and UNBS representatives reaffirmed their commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of Uganda's fuel supply chain, citing the FMQMP's success as a model for continued improvement.

WE ARE LIVE Follow the proceedings of the MEMD | UNBS Fuel marking and Quality Monitoring Program Stakeholder engagement Workshop happening NOW in Arua City. Follow the proceedings LIVE using this LINK  👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/d6CP4M8W #QualityEverywhere 

#HappeningNow The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) together with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) are conducting a Fuel Marking and Quality Monitoring (FMQMP) awareness and sensitisation workshop in West Nile. Petrol Stations are not supposed to be set up near residential areas and public institutions like schools and hospitals – Disan Kiguli - Principal Petroleum Officer - Licensing, MEMD #QualityEverywhere 

Ensure proper packaging and labelling of finished products Product Labels should have the brand name, date of manufacture, Expiry date/ sell by date, Name of manufacturer, Address of manufacturer, storage instructions, Instructions for use, size and net weight of the products. #QualityEverywhere

Did you know that workers can contaminate maize and maize flour during the production process?   Regular medical check-ups of the workers MUST be done and health records kept as required by the standards. #QualityEverywhere

Did you know that workers can contaminate maize and maize flour during the production process? This contamination can be minimized by ensuring that workers are fully dressed in Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during the production process. The workers should be availed with changing rooms and necessary training required for quality work. #QualityEverywhere

Did you know that maize flour can be easily contaminated during storage? To avoid contamination, Make use of traditional rat traps and acceptable pest control methods that do not contaminate the flour in the stores. Have evidence of internal and external product testing, record keeping and maintenance. #QualityEverywhere

Happy Labour Day #QualityEverywhere

Did you know that maize flour can be easily contaminated during storage? To avoid contamination, Avoid using unacceptable pest control methods like spraying with pesticides and insecticides which contaminates the maize flour. Cats too leave fur behind, which contaminates the flour. #QualityEverywhere