KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Among, has called on the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to streamline its verification and certification process to combat the growing problem of counterfeit goods.
Speaking at the Counterfeit Expo at Parliament, Ms. Among warned that fake products were causing significant harm to the economy and posing serious health risks to consumers.
“The scourge of counterfeit goods is a major concern for our country,” she said. “It’s estimated that globally, counterfeit goods cost businesses over $2.3 trillion annually.”
The expo, organized by Anti Counterfeit Network Africa and MPs advocating for an end to fake products and services, highlighted the widespread impact of counterfeiting.
Ms. Among pledged her support for the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill 2023, which aims to prohibit trade in counterfeit goods and create offenses related to counterfeiting.
“I assure you that Parliament will pass this bill before Christmas as a gift to Ugandans,” she said.
Asuman Basalirwa, the mover of the bill, confirmed that all necessary consultations with stakeholders had been concluded and that the bill was ready for presentation.
Counterfeit goods are a major problem in Uganda, with fake products ranging from food and medicine to electronics and clothing.
Experts warn that the lack of effective regulation and enforcement has created an environment conducive to counterfeiting.
The Ugandan government has come under pressure to act on counterfeiting, with calls for greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.
