PLUS: The "Q" mark to be Uganda's only distinctive Quality Mark - Uganda National Bureau Of Standards
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PLUS: • The “Q” mark to be Uganda’s only distinctive Quality Mark.
Uganda’s Own Ceramic Tile Hits Market
Ugandans Excited About World Class Tiles
Goodwill (Uganda) Ceramic Co. Ltd, the only ceramic tile manufacturer in the country has drawn the attention of all
circles of Uganda. With the support of Ugandans and various MDAs such as Ministry of Finance, Economic Development
and Planning, Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, UIA, URA,
UNBS, NEMA, NWSC, UMEME, Operation Wealth Creation and Liao Shen Industrial Park, etc., Goodwill now has the
capacity of producing over 200 different designs and patterns of high quality ceramic tiles with a daily production
capacity of over 30,000 square meters.
This is more than enough satisfy the Moreover, the exportation of Goodwill road transportation, etc. All these
local market needs and with the second ceramic tiles factory shall help Uganda factors are of great importance in the
line now operational, Goodwill will be to gain an annual foreign currency process of industrialization. The impact
able to export 30% of its production to earnings of 10 million US dollars. of the project in industrialization is not
foreign markets such as Kenya, DRC, merely the creation of Uganda ceramic
In a bid to support national
and S. Sudan, etc. tiles manufacturing history, but also the
industrialization plan of Uganda
interaction with other industries and
Goodwill tile project took less than a Goodwill decided to establish the
enterprises of Uganda.
year to become operational. The joint ceramic manufacturing project in
efforts of the Ugandan and Chinese the country and with the initiative In addition to the impact of the project on
staff of Goodwill has not only achieved a of Buy Ugandan, Build Uganda, the industrialization development, Goodwill
miracle in construction but also created company is delighted to be able to will also fulfill its social responsibilities.
the new page of Uganda ceramic tile reach this milestone where it is able to As the project comes into full operation,
manufacturing history. With over 95% help Uganda reduce its already huge around 2000 working opportunities
of the raw materials sourced locally and disadvantageous importation will be created from raw material
and over 1300 Ugandan staff at work, bill that contributes to undesirable resourcing, transportation, sales and
Goodwill is completely a Ugandan imbalances of trade for the country. manufacturing, etc. As a matter of
brand of ceramic tile products. In just The projects successes will epitomize fact, many skilled workers were trained
a few moths on the market Goodwill the effectiveness of Sino – African, Sino during the construction of the project.
products have proved to be one the - Ugandan Cooperation in supporting These skilled workers were released to
best quality in market compared with the creation of wealth and prosperity of the society and it could great possibility
products of the same type imported African Countries such as Uganda with that they would be engaged in other
from abroad. The application of the its ambitious aspirations to become as projects which will furtherly push on
latest manufacturing technologies is heavily industrialized and prosperous the industrialization of the country and
able to provide high quality products nation by 2040 as entrenched in create more wealth to its people.
at affordable prices, which shall directly Vision 2040 and Uganda’s National
The industrialization of Uganda shall
benefit the people of Uganda. The Development Plan (NDP2). The national
not be achieved without the support
prices of the company’s products on strategy for industrialization has
from the people of Uganda. The success
the market are 30% to 40% lower granted the investors both a promising
of Goodwill (Uganda) Ceramic Co. Ltd
than others the normal market price. investing environment and the proper
shall also require the same. Goodwill
The operation of the factory will not incentives for investors like Goodwill.
as the manufacturer of ceramic tile
only satisfy Uganda domestic demand The establishment of Goodwill’s project
of Uganda hereby request for your
of ceramic tiles but also replace the shall trigger the development of various
support. Buy Uganda Tiles, Build
importation of poor quality ceramic industry territories, such as mining,
Uganda!
tiles by 35 million US dollars annually. logistics, water and electricity supply,
Uganda National Bureau of
Standards
Plot M217 Nakawa Industrial Area
P.O Box 6329
Kampala- UGANDA
Tel: 256-41 4222367/ 505995
256-312 262688/9
Fax: 256-41 4286123
Website: www.unbs.go.ug
Emial: info@unbs.go.ug
Toll Free Hotline: 0800133133
PUBLISHER
The Quality Chronicles is a Quarterly publication
produced for the Uganda National Bureau of
Standards by:
EAST AFRICAN MEDIA CONSULT
Editorial
Serena Hotel International Conference Centre
Suite 348, P.O.Box 71919, Kampala
Telephone: 256-41-4341725/6
Facsimile:256-41-4341726 Mob: 0772 593939
E-mail: emediaconsult@gmail.com Uganda National Bureau of Standards went digital
www.eastafricanmediaconsult.co.ug
by providing all its services online for both its internal
MANAGING EDITOR and external customers. The automated system is a
Julius Edwin Mirembe 0772 593939 solution to a number of challenges that has affected
the bureaus service delivery over the years because
EDITOR
Jovia Kaganda of understaffing and also the need to be everywhere
041-4341725/6 all the time. The e- system aims to leverage on the
Contents
small numbers to Improve efficiency of the services
STAFF WRITERS
Julius Edwin Mirembe , increase transparency –which reduces corruption
Ssemutooke Ivan because everything is on record and can be easily
East African Media Consult
• LEAD STORY: tracked and will Save costs for both the internal and
UNBS Goes Electronic: All Services
DESIGN AND LAYOUT external clients.
Allan Brian Mukwana
Now Available Online 4
East African Media Consult Uganda is the pilot country for Commonwealth
• STANDARDS:
The “Q” Mark Is The Only Distinctive
Standards Network project, while Uganda National
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed in the Quality Chronicles Mark Given By UNBS. 12 Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is the pioneer institution
magazine are not necessarily those of the to steer it. , the primary goal of the project is to spur
East African Media Consult. Unless otherwise • INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
indicated, articles appearing in the Quality and realize an increase in intra-Commonwealth
Britain To Support UNBS For Common
Chronicles may be reprinted provided EAMC and
Wealth Standards Network 20 countries trade. The concept of the project is to
the author are acknowledged.
The publisher reserves the right to edit/cut/ bring together the historical grouping of nations as a
or delete any information he may feel is not • FEATURE trading block, the UK as head of the Commonwealth
relevant to the publication. UNBS Exceeds Its Annual
Performance Targets. 23 realized that there was an untapped mandate to
ADVERTISING bring together Commonwealth member states to
All enquiries should be addressed to • INTERVIEW promote trade amongst them. The project which is
East African Media Consult UNBS Opens Regional Offices 29
starting with a focus on the agricultural value chain
Telephone 041 - 4341725/6
Email: emediaconsult@gmail.com • FEATURE aspects because the majority of Uganda SMES,
Uganda Champions Standardisation approximately 80%, are in the agro-processing
Of Biomedical Imaging Equipment 27
industry and it is aimed at promoting it. The bureau
• FEATURE should be therefore applauded for its great strides
UNBS Positions Its Self For Oil that are making our nation to shine. This will also
ive
ct
stin
di
ly
on
’s
da
an
Ug
be
k to
And Gas! 32
S:
ar
” m ark.
PLU e “Qlity M
help in increasing house hold incomes for the sector
• Th ua
Q
Quality Chronicles is a Quarterly
• UNBS STANDARDS REGISTER: more so in terms of exports. This will translate into
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
magazine published for the Uganda Na-
tional Bureau of Standards. Register of Certified Products as of improving our balance of payment. Thumbs up for
The views expressed in this magazine are July 9th 2018 34 the Bureau!
not necessarily those of the publisher.
The publishers do not guarantee the
accuracy of statements made by
contributors and advertisers nor
accept responsibility for anti statements,
which are expressed in this publication. Jovia Kaganda
The publisher also reserves the rights to
edit/cut/and or delete any information
he may feel is not relevant to the
publication.
O C T 2 0 1 8 3
David Ebiru
UNBS Deputy Executive Director –Finance
UNBS GOES ELECTRONIC:
ALL SERVICES NOW
AVAILABLE ONLINE
In August this year, UNBS officially UNBS Deputy Executive Director No, we didn’t suddenly
launched a whole range of digital in charge of Finance, to discuss take a random leap into
solutions for its services, covering this latest addition to the outlook the world of ICT. I must clarify that
both its internal operations as well of the national standards body. we have been on the journey to
as its dealings with the external automation for some time now, for
It is fitting that you give
community (primarily its clients). several years, although you could
us the background of
A development about which UNBS actually say that it is in the last
this latest major development in
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
was palpably excited, making the three years that we have intensified
the life of UNBS. Did you people
national standards body express the efforts to go “e”. Over that
at the standards body suddenly
boundless optimism about the days time we have been allocating
wake up and make an arbitrary
ahead. Against that background more effort and resources
leap into the world of doing things
QUALITY CHRONICLES magazine towards the of development
digitally?
caught up with David Ebiru, the automated solutions. Most of
4 O C T 2 0 1 8
these automation solutions have
developed internally by our ICT
team, therefore there was a
process to ensure we’re satisfied No, we didn’t suddenly take a random leap into the
and comfortable with their quality world of ICT. I must clarify that we have been on the
and efficiency before delivering journey to automation for some time now, for several
them to the public. Otherwise, years, although you could actually say that it is in the
we have been deploying them for last three years that we have intensified the efforts to go
a while now, albeit in some kind “e”. Over that time we have been allocating more effort
of testing as we developed them and resources towards the of development automated
more. Now we’re simply launching solutions.
them, making them available
after doing our due diligence to
ensure they are in the right state
to deliver on their purpose.
your case as UNBS, what are your unique reasons that drove you to go
We know that is Electronic?
becoming increasingly
Indeed I should reiterate that it is becoming increasingly
hard for any organization in this
hard for any organization in this day and age to do business
days and age to do business
without embracing ICT, but as UNBS we also have our specific reasons
without embracing ICT. But in
>>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
O C T 2 0 1 8 5
why we found it necessary to go who are in charge of imports it. With ICT we have aimed to
automated. First, we are aiming clearance, where we have a key have everyone being able to do
to have technology bail us out role in ensuring that all imports business with us in the comfort
on the issue of numbers. We are checked and cleared as being of their home, office, name it. As
have limited staff, and as such of the right quality. Since URA such, easing service delivery has
we realized that we can deploy has long deployed ICT to manage been a key driver, to save the
technology to help us as a limited all its clearing services, we had time in which we offer services
staff to do more. Two, the issue no choice but to ensure we also to our clients, but also to increase
of geographical dispersion also go ICT and link up and be on ‘e’. accessibility of our services so that
made going digital necessary for Otherwise there is no way we people no longer need to queue
us. We now have a national and could combine manual working here long hours for us to see one
even regional outlook, given we methods on our side with the ICT at a time. People can interface
now have offices in different parts methods on the URA side. And with our e-systems anytime, many
of the country as well as an East another very important thing people interfacing and getting
African regional office outside was the need we found ourselves served at a single go. So generally,
the country in Mombasa. In that grappling with to minimize the through ICT we’re simplifying
regard technology is supposed cost of doing business, both on our processes as well, making it
to help us to be linked together our side and on the side of our easier than before for a client to
in terms of communication and clients. Especially we have wanted go through our processes and be
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
shared services/documentation. to phase out the situation where served, as well as minimizing costs
We have also been moved to someone has to physically come on both side –costs of paper, of
further embrace ICT because of to UNBS to be served, which has time, name it.
the partners we work with. For been costly in terms of time and
Now please unravel for
example, we have a memorandum money, depending on where
our Quality Chronicles
of understanding with URA one was coming from name
readership what exactly is entailed
6 O C T 2 0 1 8
in these ICT solutions that UNBS of our services by producers and side; that they brought their
has developed to more easily and traders. Previously upcountry samples and they took so long
more efficiently do business with people would say it was expensive to get results while those who
Ugandans. Tell us in detail about and tedious to travel to Kampala brought their samples later got
those particular solutions you are to do business with us, but now results earlier. This system is to
in position to speak about. those people who were deterred help us increase transparency, as
by the cost of travelling (in terms well as accountability. Because
We have basically
of time and finances) don’t have it is able to record the time the
developed solutions for
to worry anymore. samples come in, the time when
every of our functional department
they finish analyzing them, the
services. We have developed That is indeed a very
time the certificate is issued, etc;
solutions for our product remarkable innovation
the system will show us where
certification department, solutions that is going to have a big positive
the delay took place in case there
for our laboratory department, impact. Please share some other
was any delay. This will also help
solutions for our import inspection solutions.
us internally with the auditing and
department, for our administrative
We also have the review of our processes.
and finance departments, name
Laboratory Information
it. For the product certification We’re also digitizing both the
Management System (LIMS). This
department in particular, we certification and laboratory
one is on the side of our laboratory
have the Certification Information information systems to the extent
where samples are analyzed. It is a
Management Systems (CIMS). of issuing electronic certificates.
This one is designed to allow We don’t want to interact with a
SMEs to be able access and go “First, we are aiming to have client physically unless there is
through almost the entire product technology bail us out on the real need for the client to come to
certification process using online issue of numbers. We have our headquarters, or if the client
means. Here our clients can go limited staff, and as such we prefers to come physically. For
online and get information about realized that we can deploy that matter we are also making
all that is required to have a product it possible to issue clients with
technology to help us as a
certified, make applications, make whatever documents they need
limited staff to do more.”
payments, fulfill all requisite online once they complete the
documentation, and complete requisite processes for getting
the entire process –all online! The system which records everything those document –a certification
clients are able to communicate about each sample that is brought permit, a result certificate of
with us online –making enquiries to us for analysis, from the time analysis for samples, an imports
and getting feedback from us, it has been brought to the time it certification, name it. All online
making queries and having comes out of the laboratory with without clients coming to our
them addressed, name it. This a results certificate available, and offices physically. Also after
development is very remarkable the system tracks every sample particular client completes a
because it simplifies the entire all through the process so that given stage of a process, they
process. Initially, you had to come at any one given point we know will be able to be linked to the
here physically and interact with at which stage of the process the department that handles the
us physically, but we have now product exactly is. It is a solution next stage via online means –for
simplified the entire process so that is going to greatly help us example if a client’s product has
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
that you physically interact with track the samples more efficiently, finished undergoing laboratory
us only when you must, otherwise let alone increase transparency. tests and is proven to meet the
everything is online now and We have been having a challenge standards, the next department
you can go through most of the of backlogs, with some people to complete the certification of
certification process online. This complaining that there was no the product will be automatically
is going to increase the utilization >>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
transparency/fairness on our
O C T 2 0 1 8 7
>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 7
notified online that the said the clients are making enquiries, will end this business of a client
client’s product is in their docket queries, complaints, name it? calling and no one is picking or
and they will work on it without Because it can honestly be very giving helpful information, it
the client having to physically costly for clients to come to UNBS will help the management be
come to UNBS following up on headquarters just for some little able to track and know if clients’
their product’s progress through pieces of information. queries have been attended to,
the different departments. internally it will also help us hold
We have also developed
staff more accountable because
We also have a solution for the solutions for our
their delivery is recorded. With
standards department, which customer service and public
this solution we as management
is called Standard Management relations departments. Anyone
can now go online to find out
System. We want to go E even for needing information from
and audit how many queries have
standards, whereby we simplify UNBS can now simply go to the
been made, how the queries have
services like documentation, website and get it there without
been made, to who (which staff),
availing of answers to clients’ coming to UNBS headquarters,
how many were attended to and
enquiries and queries, name it. through an interactive module
how, name it. The key thing to
on the webstore. We also have
Talking of making it note here is that we are aiming at
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
the mobile application online
easy for clients to an enterprise solution, where you
helpdesk; you can go there and
deal with UNBS wherever they have the entire bureau integrated
submit your query online and you
maybe, what solution have you so that whoever wants information
quickly get helped. This solution
developed for interactions where or service from UNBS can just click
will indeed make it easy for clients
customers are basically seeking a few buttons on their computer
to get information from us. It
advice and guidance –where or mobile phone and gets all the
8 O C T 2 0 1 8
information they need, know that now my sample is at such there is always the big risk of the
rather than going to one and such a stage –it has now entered systems being abused by self-seekers,
person or department at the laboratory, they have gone who may be insiders or outsiders.
the bureau headquarters. through such and such a stage of Do you have in place any measures
testing; all the while you monitor and to guard against possible abuse,
You talked of
if, for example, you see that there is a which would be dangerous say by
how the ICT
delay at a given stage you can contact having unqualified products dubious
developments are going
us and we see what has gone wrong. acquiring certification by messing
to increase transparency
with the system?
at UNBS. It is also an issue The entire project is
you need to shed some impressive and truly stirs Yes, there are measures in
more light on, how exactly optimism.but when it comes to ICT, place to ensure this system
this is going to be realized >>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
and to what end exactly.
The transparency
I’m talking about
is in such a way that with
the automated systems,
everything that goes on Natural Herbal Products
within the operations of
the bureau is going to be
recorded by the system,
and the records will be
available for the players on
both ends (at UNBS and
among the clientele) to
see. As I have already said,
this will erase complaints
of people who say they
bring in their samples
early but unfairly they are
served late while those
who brought in samples
late receive immediate
service. For example, if you
submit an application for
certification of a particular
product, we give you a
reference number by which
you can log in and check
on the progress of your
product through process.
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
For your sample going into
the laboratory for analysis,
we also give you a sample Manufactured & Marketed by:
Neem Cosmetics (U) Ltd,
number which has been Plot No. 1413 Block No.92BSemuto Kapeeka Rd. Matugga, Wakiso,
electronically allocated, P.O.Box 31694, Kampala (U) Tel: +256 776 777007,
+256 414568568, +256 714 714568568,
so you can log in from Email: neem@neemug.com, www.neemug.com
anywhere at any time and
O C T 2 0 1 8 9
>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 9
As I have already said, this will erase complaints of people who say they
bring in their samples early but unfairly they are served late while those
who brought in samples late receive immediate service. For example, if you
submit an application for certification of a particular product, we give you a
reference number by which you can log in and check on the progress of your
product through process.
isn’t manipulated or abused. We so that they give us feedback on had to have our diagnostic of
acknowledge that the system the performance (especially on knowing our needs, and our users
being internally developed, any the integrity) of the system, so were involved in developing it.
wrong person who understands it that the developers are audited Actually what we did was directly
and where it can be compromised and we in management are given translating our manual paperwork
can take advantage. As such we feedback on areas of potential into ICT, documenting our manual
are building controls to make sure weakness which we should work processes into ICT language. Our
there is an audit trail for everybody on. And we aren’t done improving customers/clients/users were
who logs into the system. There are the system; we aim to have these actually part of the system, so
access rights, there are levels of solutions sustainable, so we there’s no having them say that
approval; we know who has been are making continuous serious we weren’t involved in this thing.
given a specific level of approval/ investment in both software and We documented and automated
access right, so that if anything hardware so that we achieve our what our users/clients really knew
goes wrong we can ask you ,“how targets in this area. ICT is for us at from the manual process. You can
come this has gone wrong at your UNBS a major focus area in both say it’s on the whole an organic
level or point which you approve, the medium and long terms. development. And of course with
which is your responsibility in the that we also cut costs and saved
Most organizations, upon
system?” And that is just one of funds, which was a secondary
adopting such large
the fool-proof mechanism we are benefit.
systems, simply go and buy from
embedding in the system. We
large and renowned international Given the condition of
are also having external audits
IT companies. How come you at the Ugandan community,
by external parties beyond out
UNBS chose to develop your own how much illiteracy and IT-
internal auditors. At the moment
system internally? ignorance exists, how is this
we are working with the Internal
system equipped to yield its goals
Auditor General which is the First, we have the
and ambitions?
internal auditor of government, competent IT team to
they have an ICT audit function. develop such a system. But the Critically, it’s a user-
We also work with the office of main issue was that we wanted friendly system. Indeed
the Auditor General, which is the something tailor-made for our we developed the system well
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
external auditor of all government particular environment and knowing that the level of literacy
agencies. We also have the needs, not something just off-the- in our society/clientele, especially
Technical Forensic Audits and ICT. shelf from some developer out the micro-small, isn’t so lofty. We
As we engage those government there. We didn’t want to bring also looked at the cost involved in
departments for financial audit, something that wasn’t tailor- setting up/acquiring ICT gadgets,
we also engage them for ICT audit, made and therefore couldn’t so we made the system in such a
provide local solutions. We way that whoever has/can afford
10 O C T 2 0 1 8a mobile phone can log on and And there is always a information-sharing, awareness,
utilize the system to transact. This challenge of getting our sensitization, etc, we’re seriously
after we realize that the majority public to learn of, understand, on them. So far, based on these
of Ugandans are now on smart embrace and utilize great but first three months which are like
phones, whether educated or rather advanced developments pilot months, we see it’s moving
not. But still n user-friendliness, like this one of UNBS going well and people are embracing it,
we made the system so that digital. How are you trying to sell endeavoring to learn how to use it.
you don’t need to be computer- this brilliant development to the
You can reiterate the
literate or sit long on a computer general public?
benefits there are for
to utilize it; one of our targets
We are doing Uganda to reap from UNBS’s
was that we produced a system
general awareness going digital, please.
where someone can go to a small
to sensitize; we are doing a lot
ICT café and for as slow as Sh500 Basically, these ICT
of publicity messages through
or 1000 they utilize the service solutions are helping us:
brochures, announcements
within maybe 20 or 30 minutes, 1). Leverage on our small numbers
across mainstream media; when
even when they aren’t computer- 2). Improve efficiency on the
you go to our website it is now
literate being able to utilize it by services we deliver 3). Increase
very interactive and gives you
asking the people at the café to transparency –which reduces
guidelines on how to make use
help them. corruption as everything is on
of the ICT innovations we have
record and can be easily followed
hatched… name it. The issues of
by all. 4).Saving costs
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
O C T 2 0 1 8 11Patricia Ejalu
UNBS Deputy Executive Director-Technical
THE “Q” MARK IS
Until this year (2018), the
Uganda National Bureau
of Statistics (UNBS) was
THE ONLY certifying Ugandan products
with two different ‘marks’
DISTINCTIVE
which indicated two different
levels of quality. There was
the older “S” Mark (Standard
MARK GIVEN BY
Mark), which was at a lower
level as certification mark,
then there was the “Q”Mark
UNBS.
(Quality Mark) which was
at a higher level in terms of
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
the certification process. The
“S” Mark indicated that a
It’s now easier for SMEs product had been analyzed
and tested by UNBS and
to be certified.
found to meet the minimum
standards acceptable on
the Ugandan market; while
>>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
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0 12218926/0772 700 255>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 12
the “Q” Mark indicated that the Quality requirements
product had been analyzed and haven’t been reduced or
tested by UNBS and was found to hiked
be of excellent quality as opposed
to simply meeting the minimum However, Ejalu is quick to point
acceptable standards. As such out that the phasing out of the “S”
the “S” Mark was the certification Mark to leave only the “Q” Mark
given to the beginner and smaller doesn’t by any chance mean that
producers who were new on the UNBS has reduced or hiked the
UNBS certification scheme, while quality requirements for a product
the “Q” Mark was given mostly to get certified by UNBS. She says
to older and bigger producers that the mistaken inference some
who had spent some considerable people have been drawing, of
time (more than two years) on quality requirements having been
the UNBS certification scheme. reduced or hiked as a result of
It also happened that only goods phasing out of the “S” Mark, isn’t
certified under the “Q “Mark proper and needs to be corrected.
were authorized by UNBS to be “Much as we have phased out
sold outside Uganda, while those the “S” mark and are not issuing
certified under the “S” Mark were it any more, we haven’t reduced
cleared by UNBS to only sell on the requirements for a product
the local market. getting certified, neither have we
However earlier this year UNBS unfairly hiked the requirements,”
concluded the process of making Ejalu clarifies. “We have actually
the “Q” Mark the only distinctive incorporated into the requirements
mark indicating that a Ugandan for getting the “Q” Mark all those
good is certified, and as we former requirements that existed
speak now the “Q” Mark is indeed for getting the “S” Mark, all with
the only quality mark issued by the goal of still ensuring that
UNBS to all Ugandan producers any product certified by us is of
of goods. The “S”Mark has been acceptable quality. So even as now
phased out and is no longer issued there is only one mark a producer
by UNBS –it is to be found only in needs for their product to be
the pages of history. certified to go on the market, more
or less the standard requirements
Patricia Ejalu, the UNBS Deputy the product must meet are still the
Executive Director-Technical, same ones.”
reiterates the phasing out of the
“S” Mark and the new status of the We have aimed to make
“Q” Mark as the only distinctive it easier for SMEs to have
quality mark issued by UNBS: their products certified
“We have phased out the “S”
Ejalu reveals that the primary
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
mark. We are not issuing it any
reason for making the “Q” Mark
more. But we have decided that
being the sole distinctive quality
the requirements that we used
mark is to make it easier for SMEs
to have for getting the “S” mark,
to have their products certified
we have incorporated them in the
–that is to say, meeting quality
requirements for getting the Q
requirements not only for the
mark, specifically for SMEs.”
14 O C T 2 0 1 8“We have phased out the “S” mark. “Previously, the costs were rather
We are not issuing it any more. But we high for some producers (especially
have decided that the requirements SMEs) to meet,” Ejalu says, “and the
that we used to have for getting the “S” differentiation between the quality
mark, we have incorporated them in the marks was something that affected
requirements for getting the Q mark, those who had to receive the lower
specifically for SMEs.” “S” Mark for their products. “
local market but even across the phased –I.e., divided into several producer needs to acquire the “Q”
borders. phases which a producer can Mark in the first year/phase so that
accomplish over a considerable they progressively fulfill the other
“Previously, the costs were
and favourable period of time. requirements over the other two
rather high for some producers
years, Ejalu says:
(especially SMEs) to meet,” Ejalu “We have given producers seeking
says, “and the differentiation the “Q” mark a period of three “Safety requirements are key, they
between the quality marks was years in which they are being aren’t an option and these are the
something that affected those allowed to progressively fulfill all ones a producer must meet as we
who had to receive the lower “S” the requirements that are in place allow him/her more time to fulfill
Mark for their products. Some to fully hold the “Q” Mark,” Ejalu the other requirements. So these
producers saw it like we gave reveals. “Over these three years, safety issues are the requirements
their competitors an advantage in the producer actually already has we are looking at, at first and we
the market by giving them higher the “Q” Mark because in the first are very specific about what we go
standard marks.” year they are required to fulfill the to assess. First and foremost are
minimum requirements for it and the issues of hygiene in three key
“Under this new arrangement
receive it, thereafter progressively areas; the hygiene of the staff, the
we don’t have different marks,
fulfilling the other requirements hygiene of the premises and the
everybody gets the one distinctive
over the three years.” hygiene of the process itself (that
mark which we’re using, and this
is the immediate environment
is the mark we have notified to “Basically what we are doing is
of that production). All these
the East African Community. Once phasing how the producers will
issues must be catered for. The
you have it, you can trade within be progressively implementing all
second one is the labeling –the
East Africa.” the requirements until they meet
presentation of the product. The
the full set, but in the mean time
Process of acquiring the“Q” Mark labeling and the packaging must
we will give them the “Q” mark as
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
has been divided into several meet the requirements, because
long as they have initially fulfilled
phases to ease it for producers a producer must make sure the
the minimum requirements for it.”
Patricia Ejalu says that to further product remains intact until the
make the process of acquiring the Initial requirements to consumer gets it. The producer
“Q” Mark easier and affordable for receive the “Q” Mark must ensure the product maintains
producers, the process has been its integrity and it doesn’t get
The basic requirements that a
>>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
O C T 2 0 1 8 15>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 15
affected by transportation, by She points out that the total cost
distribution, by retail, until the of getting certified with a “Q” “The second one is the
consumer gets it. And then the Mark for a new comer has come labeling –the presentation
labeling requirements must be down from sh 2,000,000 to as
of the product. The
very clear, because that’s how low as Sh 350,000 for a permit
labeling and the
a producer communicates to a for an SME. She adds that UNBS
packaging must meet the
consumer. Those are the key areas has tried to distinguish between
requirements, because
that we have shown that these those who have been on board
ones a producer must follow and and are complying to the full a producer must make
satisfy in the first phase in order requirements, and those who are sure the product remains
to get the “Q” Mark. And then, of just joining and have been at the intact until the consumer
course, the testing. As UNBS we “S” mark level (which has been the gets it. The producer
have tried to make it easier for entry level). must ensure the product
producers by requiring of them maintains its integrity and
Renewal of certification
just one test for the product in it doesn’t get affected
order to get on board, such that
also made easier
by transportation, by
once they’re on board then we The UNBS Deputy Executive distribution, by retail,
continue with routine testing Director –Technical says that until the consumer gets
throughout that first year, as well critically on this point, the it.”
as surveillance assessment. Then standards body has redesigned
the producers can each choose the annual renewal process to
which of the other requirements make it smooth for those already
they fulfill over the rest of the on board with them.
whole first year on board. Then
“Those who have been on
at the next renewal, as UNBS
board, paying the sh 800,000
we shall go through and assess
for the permit and meeting full
the producer. The following year
requirements have been moved
they are required to add another
fulfilled condition, and then in
to a three-year cycle. We can’t “And then, of course,
remove the requirement of annual the testing. As UNBS
the third year another one. So
renewal, they will have to renew we have tried to make it
producers coming on board have
every year, but their renewal on easier for producers by
about three years in which they
a yearly basis will be automatic, requiring of them just
are being allowed to add to the
and only in the third year shall we
requirements and fulfill the entire one test for the product
subject them to a full assessment
set, in some kind of three-phased in order to get on board,
to take them to another three-
arrangement. You can surely see such that once they’re
year cycle. But every year they
that this should favor all SMEs.” on board then we
will have a surveillance audit,
The costs have also been and every year they are obliged continue with routine
brought down to do the testing. It now reduces testing throughout
our interaction with them, and that first year, as
Ejalu points out that previously well as surveillance
this thing of having not to move
many SMEs would complain that
until you have a valid permit assessment.”
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
the costs of getting certified were
won’t affect them. You apply for
too high for them, and she says
renewal, make your payments
that in this regard UNBS has also
for the permit and the audit and
brought down the costs in order
the testing, we continue with the
to enable more producers to go
auditing and the testing. But for
through the certification process.
the new ones just joining, we give
16 O C T 2 0 1 8you one year and your employing between 5 and 49 people individual little niches and are still
cycle of testing and (in other words less than 50 people) struggling to grow. We take information
auditing and getting and with assets not exceeding 100 as given to us, but we also go on the
a permit is strictly million. Any one above that goes direct ground to verify it. We also encourage
every year. We have into full assessment. The reason is that people to give us genuine information
to monitor these someone above the said level produces because we work under confidentiality
new ones a little bit a lot, the outreach of their product is agreements not to disclose people’s
more, for we don’t very high and the effect would be very information. By auditing it means we
as yet have enough dire if someone of that size didn’t meet do due diligence to ascertain that you
confidence and trust full requirements, unlike the small ones are in the right category.”
in them. As I have who still have a small outreach in their
already clarified, for >>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
cost we are charging
the MSMEs 350,000
for the permit, but this
is only for a period of
3 years. During that
time, they should have
become comfortable
with obliging and also
gained more access
to the market, so that
thereafter they can
pay the full amount
of… “
Categorizing of
SMEs is meant to
favour them too
Ejalu says that UNBS
has come up with
a single way of
distinguishing without
going into so many
technicalities.
“For a micro ISO
9001
enterprise,” she
CERTIFIED COMPANY
explains, “we’re talking
about someone who
employs less than
5 people and their
assets don’t exceed
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
10 million. For MSMEs
(medium-sized
enterprises), we are
talking of someone
O C T 2 0 1 8 17>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 17
Regional harmonization of “Sometimes when countries are
standards underway so that stringent on quality requirements
“Q” Mark holders enjoy for goods entering their space,
regional markets as Tanzania’s Food and drug
Authority has recently been
“Harmonization of standards is reported to be, we need to
work we’re continuing with, and as understand that what such a
Uganda, we have adopted quite a UNBS has also brought
country does isn’t wrong –for
number of them, we’re one of the example, in the case of Tanzania
down the costs in order
partner states that have adopted recently we need to understand to enable more producers
most of the E.A standards that that what their drug and food to go through the
have been approved. Once you authority was doing wasn’t wrong. certification process. She
have the “Q” Mark no one can Uganda is also actually going points out that the total
challenge your products, except down the same road regarding cost of getting certified
a country/partner state has its food, with our Food and Drug with a “Q” Mark for a new
issues it’s dealing with, otherwise, Authority, taking food matters you comer has come down
once you have the Certification know, to look at the issue of safety from sh 2,000,000 to as
Mark then your product has no of food from the beginning to the low as Sh 350,000 for a
challenge. We have a number of end. The TFDA is basically looking
people with the “Q” Mark who’re
permit for an SME.
at the safety of food seriously,
trading with Kenya, with Rwanda, sanitary and health matters are
name it. There’s no issue because very important, they affect life
they are certified. Every partner directly. What is needed is for us
state has a right to check and to harmonize as the EAC region,
ascertain whether a product so that traders don’t have to run
is certified. At the moment we around trying to meet conditions
don’t have a central place where they didn’t earlier know of it let
“Those who have been
information is, what we do have us bring everything together. Let on board, paying the
is each member/partner country’s us harmonize what the bureaus sh 800,000 for the
bureau of standards has a website are doing with what the food permit and meeting full
where the information from other and drug authorities are doing, requirements have been
countries can be found about because currently there’s trouble moved to a three-year
certified products. The bureaus identifying whether one has cycle. We can’t remove
of each country can go there and been checked and verified or not. the requirement of
find the list of certified products as Meetings are underway discussing annual renewal, they
of the date indicated there, what this, and traders too are part of the will have to renew every
they don’t find there isn’t certified process. In Uganda, good thing is
–you check there short of calling
year, but their renewal
the people dealing with food and
us. As EAC we’re still working on a yearly basis will be
those dealing with drugs and the
on the issue of having a website automatic, and only in
bureau, we’re all already working
that works for all of us. We had the third year shall we
together, so if we’re to come up
one for standards, a website, for with a food and drug authority it
subject them to a full
assessment to take them
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
joint certification we are yet to would probably not be messy.”
come up with one. For the issue to another three-year
of certification we’re still working cycle.”
on it, it’s still a work in progress,
having an EAC website that works
for all of us.”
18 O C T 2 0 1 8BRITAIN TO SUPPORT
UNBS FOR COMMON
WEALTH STANDARDS
NETWORK
THROUGH UNBS, UGANDA IS THE
FIRST COUNTRY ON THE
COMMONWEALTH STANDARDS
NETWORK
Britain has offered to support
Uganda National Bureau of
Standards in a bid to launch
the Common wealth Standards
Network. Uganda is identified
as the pilot country on the
project by virtue of its strategic
positioning as one of the
predominantly agriculturalist
exporting country, while it is a
member of the common wealth
countries.
The project will be funded by
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
the United Kingdom through
Department for International
Development (DFID) through the
British Standards Institute. The
David Ebiru primary goal of the project is to
UNBS Deputy Executive Director –Finance spur and realize an increase in
20 O C T 2 0 1 8intra-Commonwealth of Uganda SMES, approximately 80%, trade beyond Uganda, preferably
countries trade. The are in the agro-processing. Surely it’s among Commonwealth countries with
background to the right and proper that the intervention whom Uganda is going to collaborate
concept is that, having should be in the agricultural line.” on the Commonwealth Standards
realized that every other Network project.
Apart from UNBS, several other
regional/continent/
government agencies are to be involved “There is going to be training involved,”
historical grouping of
in the chain, all working together in a Ebiru reveals, “both to the agencies
nations has a trading
concerted effort to build the capacity involved in the enforcement of
block, the UK as head
of Ugandan SMES so that they become standards as well as to producers under
of the Commonwealth
able to improve on the quality of their their associations and federations. But
realized that there was
products as well as to competitively >>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
an untapped mandate
to bring together
Commonwealth
member countries to
promote trade amongst
themselves.
The concept of the
Common wealth
Standards Network
is premised on the
recognition that you
Your favorite tastes
can’t promote trade
without the quality
now in 180ml aseptic
control aspect. tetra packs
Uganda emerged
the best country for
the pilot project of
the Commonwealth
Standards Network
particularly because of
countries impressive
and successful
standards regulatory
mechanism.
David Ebiru, the UNBS
Deputy Executive
Director –Finance,
explains that the
project is primarily
going to focus on the
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
agricultural value chain:
“The project is starting
Award winning quality that has stood
with a focus on the
the taste of time
agricultural value chain
aspect because all Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health. Not for sale to persons under 21 years
project implementers A QUALITY PRODUCT FROM:
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realize that the majority
Mob: +256 (0) 712 775 551 /2 /3 /4 /6 /7 /8 OR 0750 555 562 /5 /6 /7 /8 OR 0750 555 701
O C T 2 0 1 8 21>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 21
there is also going to be specific of sector approach so that the and enlighten our staff as well as
training to UNBS to increase on the sector understands that we need the different sector associations,
competences and capacity of what to comply to access markets. A offering training too –so that
we do as a standards developer, few products have been carefully at the end the of the day our
as a promoter of standards, as an identified to be pilot products local producers at their different
enforcer of standards. on the project, especially those levels (especially the SMEs) will
products which we have identified have knowledge on how to hit
“There is also going to be a
as having export potential. Cocoa, and sustain quality and continue
particular capacity-building
coffee, sheer butter, others. To trading.
campaign for SMES through the
make sense you certainly have to
various associations that support “The fisheries sector is also part
start with those products which
them, to be able to engage of the pilot lines of production
have an export market and try
them and to sensitize them to that we are beginning with on
to ensure the producers put in
appreciate the use of standards. the project,” Ebiru adds. “You
place systems to guarantee/
This will also help us to come up know fish has been identified as
maintain those standards; but
with some simple procedures having a lot of potential, but it has
also remember that at the local
from the standards we demand been having challenges of quality
level we now want everybody to
these SMES to apply. across. Coffee is also in there
comply with standards, as law,
because it is our main cash crop
The Technical support will
and therefore we have a great
involve simplifying the Standards
need to help the value chain and
documents “Uganda emerged the best
guarantee quality. And then we
“If you might realize, standards country for the pilot project
are going to include some of these
are very technical documents, of the Commonwealth
upcoming crops such as vanilla
quite bulky, such that you don’t Standards Network and cocoa so that we can be able
expect someone at that level of particularly because of to carve out for ourselves a niche
the micro-small world, who has countries impressive in them too.”
not gone to school, to be able to and successful standards
Summarily, Ebiru says that UNBS,
read and understand them. We regulatory mechanism.”
as the pilot standards body on
want to be able to simplify these
the project, is excited about
procedures, if possible as much
the Commonwealth Standards
as possible to translate some of so even those producing for local Network, believing that the project
them, so that they can easily be consumption have much to benefit will help enhance the skills and
understood and applied by these from this DFID support –for with knowledge of Ugandan producers
SMEs to comply so their products the quality requirements now (especially SMEs), which should
meet the minimum standards cutting across all local producers, ultimately help us as a country
required to trade. those producing for export and to streamline the processes and
“Of course we’ll be working with those producing for the local procedures of managing our
associations like the Uganda Small market.” quality management systems.
Scale Manufacturers Association, Mr. Ebiru reiterates that it’s
which bring together many of important for everyone interested
these small producers processing in this project to understand
at small level, so we want to train
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
that it’s basically technical
some of the people there so that support that will be availed;
they can have self-regulation and that it will not involve money or
encourage others to comply too equipment directly, but rather it
and meet the requirement for the is meant to bring international
good of their sectors… (Commonwealth) experts in
“As such it is going to be more various areas to interact with
22 O C T 2 0 1 8UNBS EXCEEDS ITS ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE TARGETS.
Certain of more growth over the
current financial year 2018/2019
It is the second quarter of the evaluation more or less represents Over the last few financial years
2018/2019 financial year, and the evaluation of the entire UNBS. we have actually exceeded our
the final stretch of the calendar Please share with us what is your targets on both areas, and we are
year 2018. So it is a time when evaluation of UNBS’ performance on continuing on the same path.
all sorts of organizations and in the current financial year We have started well this year, in
businesses do some king of self- 2018/2019, as well as UNBS’s the first quarter of July-October.
evaluation and stock-taking. As performance across the recent Of course we have to revise our
Quality Chronicles we thought past. targets for this year upwards,
it desirable to share with our having exceeded targets last year,
Honestly, we have
readers a peek into UNBS’ but still we’re on track to meet our
performed very well over
evaluation of its performance projections. We have to raise our
the last few years and already
in the current year and over the targets for both physical outputs
early reports indicate we are
recent past, so we here bring to be delivered and for revenue
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
continuing to perform well this
you excerpts from our discussion generation.
financial year. I’m talking of good
of the issue with UNBS Deputy
performance both on our physical It sounds very impressive,
Executive Director –Finance, Mr.
output (efficient provision of the exceeding your targets!
David Ebiru.
services UNBS was created to Maybe you could give us a more
We understand that your offer the country), as well as on detailed picture of what exactly is
our revenue generation mandate. >>>>>>>>>CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
O C T 2 0 1 8 23>>>>>>>>>FROM PAGE 23
entailed in those targets you have on that front too. We reached a start planning, our base is the
previously surpassed and are on level where we support ourselves performance of the previous year;
the way to surpassing again? up to 50% of our annual budget, by the previous year performance
generating that revenue from sale determines our planning for the
I talked of performing very well
of our services. So we raise 50% next year. So our performance in
in regard to our physical output,
of our financing and government the year 2017/2018, which ended
which is the efficient provision of
contributes 50%, making it 50-50. in June, informed our planning
our services to the country. This
And we’re striving to reach a level for the current year 2018/2019,
entails properly regulating the
where we generate more funds and certainly on all fronts we are
standards for goods that are on
from the sale of our services, so we currently chasing bigger targets
the Ugandan market but also for
can raise the ratio we contribute than we had last year.
exports, because it is our primary
to our operational funds beyond
mandate, the reason we were As UNBS you drastically
the current 50%. With the
created, and we are doing well on reduced the charges on
current scramble for government
it. More and more producers have product certification a process
resources, the smart strategy
come on board our certification that permits producers to operate
as an agency is to raise more
system, and we have done in the market. What informed this
funds to support yourself more,
good ensuring that the goods drastic cutting of the charges?
to supplement on the meager
on the Ugandan market meet
resources from government. One of the biggest
the minimum requirements, by
challenges we have been
regularly doing surveillance audits And you talked of
facing as a bureau in the uptake
in the market, inspecting imports, continuously growing,
of standards is the issue of our
name it. continuously aiming to beat your
charges, or rather the costs of
previous performance every other
Now, when you perform well on getting certified on the side of the
time around?
the physical side, automatically producers. The demand for our
Q U A L I T Y CHRONICLES
it has to translate into good Yes, we are never services has always been there,
performance on revenue complacent after a good but people have previously been
generation side. As a government performance. When we exceed held back by costs. Always it
agency we also have a mandate a target, it means we stretch wasn’t a lot of money when you’re
of raising revenue from selling our ourselves more by setting higher talking of a thriving producer or
services, primarily to support our targets for the next financial trader; but you realize that most
operations, and we are doing well year. Every planning cycle, as we of the people we’re targeting
24 O C T 2 0 1 8You can also read
