Business 23 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UNBS Confiscates 79 Tonnes of Underweight Cement in Kampala Market Crackdown
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has seized a significant quantity of underweight cement, totaling 79 tonnes, during a recent market surveillance operation in Kampala. The operation targeted numerous outlets, leading to the confiscation of over 1,000 bags of cement that did not meet declared weight standards. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/unbs-seizes-79-tonnes-of-underweight-cement-in-kampala-market-crackdown-5605960
Kampala: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has taken decisive action against businesses engaging in unfair trade practices, confiscating approximately 79 tonnes of underweight cement. This substantial seizure, equivalent to over 1,000 bags, occurred during a targeted market surveillance operation conducted at the Goodshed-Biwologoma area along Entebbe Road.
The UNBS surveillance team inspected 29 different cement stores and outlets, uncovering numerous batches of cement sold below their declared package weights. In addition to the underweight cement, authorities also found over four tonnes of empty cement bags and packaging materials, suggesting potential illegal repackaging activities designed to deceive consumers.
Ms. Sarah Nantongo, a Senior Surveillance Officer at UNBS, stressed the bureau’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights. “Consumers have a right to receive the accurate product quantity as declared on a product,” Ms. Nantongo stated. She further emphasized that any practice compromising product quantity, including the repackaging and sale of underweight goods, is unacceptable.
The operation specifically targeted several hardware businesses and cement outlets, with UNBS vowing to continue its surveillance and enforce compliance with mandatory standards. Those apprehended during the crackdown have been handed over to the Uganda Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department for further investigation.
UNBS reiterated its warning to traders against selling non-conforming or underweight commodities. The bureau encourages the public to report any suspected cases of substandard products through its toll-free lines, ensuring a market that adheres to quality and quantity standards.