Parliament Backs UNBS Bid to Keep Non-Tax Revenue for Stronger Standards Enforcement

Members of Parliament on the Committee of Tourism, Trade and Industry are pushing for the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to use its own Non-Tax Revenue collections. They warn that inadequate funding is weakening the agency’s ability to enforce product standards and protect consumers.

Workers’ MP Hon. Abdulhu Byakatonda highlighted a prior motion to allow UNBS similar financial autonomy as the National Drugs Authority (NDA). He noted NDA’s effectiveness due to its revenue retention, enabling prompt operations without relying solely on government funds.

Hon. Richard Gafabusa (NRM, Bwamba County) pointed to the growing presence of unsafe goods, likening UNBS’s role to that of the police for constant responsiveness. He criticized delays in certifications as tantamount to false pretenses and slammed the Uganda Revenue Authority for taxing uncertified products.

These issues surfaced during the review of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives’ 2026/2027 Ministerial Policy Statement on April 2, 2026, chaired by Hon. Boniface Okot. The committee also faulted the ministry and UNBS for slow responses to public complaints.

UNBS Executive Director James Kasigwa urged lawmakers to back amendments, noting the UNBS Act mirrors NDA’s provisions. He emphasized the agency’s strong technical capabilities despite funding woes, vital for public health.

Minister of State for Industry Hon. David Bahati revealed the ministry is seeking Attorney General’s advice, as the Public Finance Management Act mandates remitting revenues to the Consolidated Fund, potentially requiring legal changes.

Source: Parliament of Uganda