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MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo win 2022 Digital Brand of the Year

Nicholas L Ntulume
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MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo win 2022 Digital Brand of the Year

MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo were the biggest winners at the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa, with the two sister companies bagging the biggest accolade of the night; the Digital Brand of the Year – Diamond Accolade. Centenary Bank came second and took home the Gold Prize.

MTN Uganda and MTN MoMo’s overall victory ended the four years long uninterrupted banks’ dominance for this category. In both 2020 and 2021, Standard Chartered Bank won Digital Brand of the year while in 2019, Stanbic Bank won Digital Brand of the Year. In 2018, it was won by Centenary Bank.

While handing over the awards to the winners, Hon. Eng. David Karubanga, the Patron of HiPipo, Member of Parliament Kigorobya County and Chairperson Committee of Physical Infrastructure at the Uganda Parliament thanked all companies that are spearheading Uganda’s digital and financial inclusion journey.

“I am happy to see the progress that the country is making on matters of digital and financial inclusion. The efforts of the government and the private sector are all contributing to this success. The Digital Impact Awards Africa continue to play a key awareness and appreciation role,” Hon Karubanga said, adding;

“I thank HiPipo and its partners for being consistent. Even in a bigger way, I congratulate all the winners and encourage them to continue innovating for the betterment of our people.”

Now in the ninth consecutive edition, the Digital Impact Awards Africa is a platform that promotes Digital Inclusion, Financial Inclusion and Cyber Security. The Awards recognize and celebrate stakeholders that are spearheading the use of digital mediums to serve communities.

The Digital Impact Awards Africa celebrate digital excellence across the continent; big or small, local or international.

The 2022 edition was part of the broader Digital and Financial Inclusion summit held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday 18th November.

The summit brought together C-Level executives and stakeholders that are spearheading the scaling, adoption and usage of digital and financial services across Africa. It explored strategic trends and technologies that are shaping the future of Digital, ICTs and Business. Special attention is paid to the safety of customers’ funds and the security of platforms in the Digital Financial Services ecosystem.

The summit discussed Uganda’s Digital and Financial Inclusion Journey, the disruptive impact of COVID-19 on the business ecosystem and what players are doing to recover, and Financial Inclusion for the people at the bottom of the pyramid. The summit had a special panel themed Women on the Wheels – Financial Inclusion for Women Boda Boda riders.

Both the Digital and Financial Inclusion Summit and the Digital Impact Awards Africa were presented by HiPipo in partnership with Level One Project, Mojaloop, PortX (formerly ModusBox), and Crosslake Technologies and supported by the Gates Foundation.

2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa Winners’ List.

  • Financial Inclusion Excellence.
    1. Letshego Digital Mall – Gold
    2. MTN MoMo Advance – Diamond.
  • Digital Banking Excellence.
    1. Stanbic Bank – Gold.
    2. Standard Chartered Bank – Diamond
  • Banking Innovation Excellence.
    1. Craft Silicon | Mobile Banking Solution – ELMA – Gold
    2. CenteMobile Loans| Centenary Bank – Diamond
  • Community/MFI Banking Innovation Excellence.
    1. Pride Microfinance Limited – Gold
    2. Centenary Bank – Diamond
  • FinTech Innovation Excellence.
    1. Safecar by SafeBoda – Gold.
    2. Kawu Smart Card by Kawu Uganda – Diamond
  • Financial Services Digital Excellence.
    1. Comviva and Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL) – Silver
    2. MTN MoMo – Gold.
    3. Standard Chartered Bank – Diamond
  • Consumer Goods Digital Excellence.
    1. Jude Color Solutions – Gold.
    2. Jumia Uganda – Diamond
  • Utilities and Government Services Digital Excellence.
    1. NSSF – Gold.
    2. NWSC – Diamond
  • Technology Services Digital Excellence.
    1. Airtel Uganda & Airtel Mobile Commerce – Gold.
    2. MTN Uganda & MTN MoMo – Diamond
  • Digital Campaign Excellence. 
    1. NSSF Hi-Innovator – Gold.
    2. Stanbic National Schools Championship – Diamond
  • Digital Brand of the Year.
    1. Centenary Bank – Gold
    2. MTN Uganda & MTN MoMo – Diamond.

Panel Discussions at the 2022 Digital and Financial Inclusion Summit.

Financial Inclusion for Women on Wheels; Women Boda Boda Riders.

The Panelists were: 

  • Nyadoi Zurah. 
  • Babra Brizila Asimo.
  • Atim Albright.
  • Jenifer Kia.
  • Angwech Dillish.

Instant and Inclusive Payment Systems (IIPS): Why are Instant and Inclusive Payment Systems (IIPS) important? How do we build National Instant and Inclusive Payments Systems?

The Panelists were:

  • Mercy Nekesa – Founder and CEO, Sundetails by Raining Vegetables.
  • Moses Rutahigwa – Head, Consumer, Private and Business Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda.
  • Edgar Mugume – Head of Business Development, Craft Silicon
  • Paul Ekudu – Executive Director, Pegasus Technologies.

Winning from the Boardroom; What are C-Level Executives and Business Leaders doing to ensure that Digital and Financial Inclusion is achieved. What are they doing to bring onboard the least included groups particularly; Women, Youth, PWDs and Informal Traders?

The Panelists were: 

  • Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo – Ag. Executive Director UCC.
  • Damali Ssali – Chief Programmes and Projects Officer PSFU.
  • Anna Nambooze – Country Director for Uganda and South Sudan, TradeMark East Africa.
  • Lydia Nakamya – Head, Digital Banking and Partnerships, Standard Chartered Bank.

FINANCIAL SYSTEMS FOR THE POOR: An African continent where poor people, people at the bottom of the pyramid can capture opportunities and build resilience through financial services. The Ugandan point of view! 

The panelists were:

  • Nelson Kituuka – Managing Director, Card Pesa. 
  • Vincent Tumwijukye – Chief Executive Officer, FutureLink Technologies.
  • Japhet Aritho – Managing Director, Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited.
  • Beatrice Mawemuko – Head Strategic Partnership, MTN Mobile Money. 
  • Andrew Ssemaganda- General Manager Strategy, Centenary Bank.

Kiira Motors and Kalita Expeditions formalize relationship with KaCyber Technologies to ensure a green travel experience in Kampala

Nicholas L Ntulume
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Kiira Motors and Kalita Expeditions formalize relationship with KaCyber Technologies to ensure a green travel experience in Kampala

The pathway to the decarbonization of urban public transport will unequivocally contribute directly to the accomplishment of several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such as the promotion of affordable and clean energy and sustainable cities and communities. Cognizant of the adverse effects of climate change on Uganda, KaCyber has prioritized partnerships that will bring positive impact to the climate change fight.

The introduction of KaCyber’s E-Ticketing and payment system to the country’s only Zero emissions transport provider brings great benefits to Kalita Expeditions bus operations in terms of better data collection to fully understand passenger travel patterns. It also makes boarding faster, easier and more efficient for drivers and passengers, especially women.

KaCyber’s Electronic Ticketing and Payment System is a unique opportunity to achieve sustainable mobility in Kampala. The partnership will see KaCyber Technologies provide electronic ticketing and payment services for the electric buses and manage the ticketing operations on the Kayoola EVS to ensure business transparency and organized revenue collection for the mass transit bus operations by Kalita Expeditions on different routes within Great Kampala Metropolitan (GKMA) region, and beyond.

“Together, KaCyber Technologies, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) and Kalita Expeditions can help promote and decarbonize the Great Kampala Metropolitan (GKMA) in years to come. Since Kalita in partnership with Kiira Motors has introduced more environmentally friendly buses on our roads, we will greatly reduce harmful vehicular emissions that pose a health risk to all Ugandans.” – said Albert Akovuku, Director Production at Kiira Motors Corporation.

Albert further said the provision of Bus Ticketing Technology by KaCyber to run alongside the Kayoola EVS buses is a welcome business opportunity for purposes of improving operational efficiency. This will go a long way in improving services, increasing revenue and creation of jobs.

With a vision to build an inclusive and greener Uganda through automotive mobility, Kiira Motors has been a critical stakeholder in ensuring the advancement of electric cars that decarbonize the environment.

“While the challenges in the transportation sector might be many, we are happy to now have a technology partner with dexterity to organize us, and ensure that each stakeholder gets a fair share of their return on investment” reiterated Charles Baguma, the Managing Director Kalita Expeditions, the bus operator of the Kayoola EVS.

According to Innocent Orikiriiza, the Founder and Team Lead at KaCyber Technologies, this partnership forms part of the company’s strategy to promote a greener African transport ecosystem and contribute heavily to KaCyber’s vision of making sustainable and seamless mobility a reality in Africa.

“Working with like-minded partners like Kalita and Kiira Motors will help us achieve our ESG – sustainability goals. Through this partnership, we look forward to playing a driving role in green transport innovations in Uganda’’. said Innocent.

KaCyber will be a crucial partner in providing technologies to enable bus operators to improve their revenue collections and visualize their business on the go. It will also be a key collaborator in giving operational and technological feedback to bus owners and Kiira Motors. This will then ensure the integration of local content into the public transport ecosystem and value chain.

Here are the nominees for the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa

Nicholas L Ntulume
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Here are the nominees for the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa

Following the conclusion of the entries’ submission and verification process, HiPipo is pleased to unveil the nominees of the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa.

Digital Impact Awards Africa is a platform that promotes Digital Inclusion, Financial Inclusion, and Cyber Security. The Awards recognize and celebrate stakeholders that are spearheading the use of digital mediums to serve communities.

The Digital Impact Awards Africa celebrate digital excellence across the continent; big or small, local or international.

The 2022 Digital Brand of the Year category will see five finance and technology giants go head to head as Centenary Bank is nominated alongside Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic Bank, MTN Uganda, and Airtel Uganda while the Digital Campaign Excellence category has the Stanbic National Schools Championship drawn against Mpola Enjoyments by Bell Lager, Bolingo Extra by YOTV Channels in partnership with MTN Uganda and NSSF Hi-Innovator. Altogether there are 11 categories this year.

Voting in the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa will run until 18th November 9am. While all nominees are winners, the overall winner per category will be determined by a combined public-jury vote.

The Awards now in their 9th consecutive edition will be held on Friday 18th November 2022 at Kampala Serena Hotel as part of the annual Digital and Financial Inclusion summit.

The summit explores strategic trends and technologies that are shaping the future of Digital, ICTs, and Business. Special attention is paid to the safety of customers’ funds and security of platforms in the Digital Financial Services ecosystem.

This year’s summit will bring together C-Level executives that are spearheading the scaling, adoption, and usage of digital and financial services across Africa. The summit will discuss the disruptive impact of COVID-19 on the business ecosystem and what players are doing to recover.

Speakers will come from multinationals, large enterprises, small and mid-sized enterprises, and start-ups. Additionally, the summit will offer a platform for informal businesses (like market vendors, smallholder farmers, sole proprietors, public transporters, and e-commerce delivery agents, etc.)  

The summit and awards are using these 3 official tags; #IncludeEveryone, #DIAA2022, and #LevelOneProject.

Here is the full list of the 2022 Digital Impact Awards Africa nominees.  

  • Financial Inclusion Excellence.
    1. Letshego Digital Mall
    2. MTN MoMo Advance
    3. Group Loans for VSLAs by True African Limited
    4. Airtel Quick Loan in partnership with Housing Finance Bank and YABX
    5. MSacco by Future Link Technologies
  • Digital Banking Excellence.
    1. Stanbic Bank
    2. Centenary Bank
    3. Standard Chartered Bank
    4. ABSA Bank
    5. United Bank for Africa Uganda Limited (UBA)
  • Banking Innovation Excellence.
    1. Trust Mobile Loan | Finance Trust Bank
    2. 3600 Rewards Program | Standard Chartered Bank
    3. FlexiPay | Stanbic Bank Uganda
    4. CenteMobile Loans| Centenary Bank
    5. Eazzy Banking | Equity Bank
    6. Craft Silicon | Mobile Banking Solution – ELMA
  • Community/MFI Banking Innovation Excellence.
    1. Future Link Technologies  
    2. Pride Microfinance Limited
    3. Centenary Bank
    4. Post Bank Limited
    5. Letshego
    6. Finance Trust Bank
  • FinTech Innovation Excellence.
    1. Working Capital and Emergency Loans by Card Pesa
    2. Digital Ticketing for Transport services by KaCyber Technologies
    3. Sup Money by Jpesa
    4. Kawu Smart Card by Kawu Uganda
    5. Safecar by SafeBoda
    6. Jumia Food Mart by Jumia Uganda
    7. Bolingo Extra by YOTV Channels in partnership with MTN Uganda
  • Financial Services Digital Excellence.
    1. Standard Chartered Bank
    2. Comviva and Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL)
    3. Centenary Bank
    4. Stanbic Bank
    5. United Bank for Africa Uganda Limited (UBA)
    6. MTN Mobile Money Uganda
  • Consumer Goods Digital Excellence.
    1. Riham Group
    2. Jude Color Solutions
    3. Movit
    4. Club Pilsener
    5. Café Javas
    6. Bell Lager
    7. Jumia Uganda
  • Utilities and Government Services Digital Excellence.
    1. Ministry of Health
    2. NSSF
    3. NWSC
    4. UMEME
    5. URA
  • Technology Services Digital Excellence.
    1. Airtel Uganda
    2. Huawei Technologies
    3. MTN Uganda
    4. TECNO Mobile
    5. Cente Tech
  • Digital Campaign Excellence.  
    1. Stanbic National Schools Championship
    2. Mpola Enjoyments by Bell Lager
    3. Bolingo Extra by YOTV Channels in partnership with MTN Uganda.
    4. NSSF Hi-Innovator
  • Digital Brand of the Year.
    1. Centenary Bank
    2. Standard Chartered Bank
    3. Stanbic Bank
    4. MTN Uganda
    5. Airtel Uganda

KaCyber Partnering with National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and the Mastercard Foundation to Offer New Answers to Uganda’s Public Transport Woes

Nicholas L Ntulume
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KaCyber Partnering with National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and the Mastercard Foundation to Offer New Answers to Uganda’s Public Transport Woes

KaCyber Technologies, Uganda’s leading homegrown mobility technology company, recently celebrated its sixth anniversary and at the same time, hit a milestone of 10 million travel bookings on trains and buses, valued at UGX 194 billion or about $54 million.

The company aims at making seamless mobility a reality across Africa and beyond. Due to its success to date, KaCyber was recently awarded a $20,000 (UGX 76 million) grant by NSSF Hi- Innovator towards efforts in creating over 132,000 jobs for youth and women during the next five years.

The Hi-Innovator Initiative of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation is supporting small and growing businesses by extending catalytic seed funding, building the capacity of entrepreneurship support organizations to provide quality technical assistance and working with financing institutions to unlock affordable patient capital so that they can become more competitive.

Outbox Uganda is the lead implementer of the program providing technical services to selected businesses like KaCyber Technologies and overseeing the implementation of this Innovation Fund Challenge.

KaCyber has piloted its award-winning digital ticketing and payment system with 12 transporters across Africa (including Uganda Railways, Link Bus Services, Star Link Transporters, Friends, KK Coaches, Highway Coaches, Malayika Transporters, Kalita Expeditions, Al-Azhar Transports among others).

Under the auspices of Stanbic Business Incubator, KaCyber is benefiting from valuable tailored technical support which has strengthened its ability to impact youth and particularly women in Uganda.

This partnership underpins KaCyber’s ability to offer a reliable digital mobility solution that creates confidence in the transport sector, increasing revenue for transporters and promoting greener journeys within public transport. The firm is also contributing to Kampala’s Smart City agenda being overseen by the Kampala Capital City Authority. The KaCyber team will create more opportunities for many youths and particularly women, through its tried and tested business model that demonstrates that is delivering value to their clients.

Ultimately, the positive impact of this partnership will cascade into a wider landscape with more transparency and accountability in Uganda’s transport sector.

For more information about KaCyber Technologies, visit www.kacyber.io

2022 HiPipo Music Awards Nominations Out

Nicholas L Ntulume
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2022 HiPipo Music Awards Nominations Out

We are delighted to unveil the nominees of the 2022 HiPipo Music Awards slated for 18th November 2022, at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Musicians; Sheebah, Fik Fameica, Azawi, and David Lutalo top the nomination list with at-least four nominations each. They are together with Winnie Nwagi and Eddy Kenzo nominated for Artist of the Year, among other categories. These six have with no doubt had a splendid 2022.

The Africa Number One Award is being competed for by nine Artistes that have had mega-hit songs and put up exceptional performances in 2022. These are; Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Ckay, Diamond Platnumz, Fireboy, Goya Menor, Kizz Daniel, Pheelz, and Rema.

Altogether, there are eleven vote-determined categories while the Life Time Achievement Award will be decided by the HiPipo Music Awards Assembly.

“It is a special day today as we release this year’s nominations. We received thousands of submissions from which this final list has been generated. We have twelve qualitative categories. The nominees are a perfect representation of Uganda, East Africa and Africa’s music industry performance in 2022,” Innocent Kawooya, the HiPipo CEO said while releasing the nominations.

He added: “With the nominations out, we move to the next stage of the project, which is voting. This will run from today until 18th November. While all nominees are winners, the overall winners will be those with the highest number of votes per category. We encourage all music lovers to take part in this critical exercise.”

Now in its eleventh consecutive edition, HiPipo Music Awards continues to be recognised not just for the critical acclaim and prestige it bestows on its winners and nominees, but, also for its longevity and consistence as well.

More than ten uniquely gifted artistes have been lined up to perform this year led by Bebe Cool, Naava Grey, Kenneth Mugabi, and Afande Miah. The full list of performers will be unveiled in due course.

“After 10 years, we know our strengths, we have learnt from our past; starting from the first awards event, which was an online virtual experience, held in May 2012. We always thrive to improve and set benchmarks for the industry. As such the eleventh edition will be a show like never before,” Nicholas Kalungi, the HiPipo Chief Operations Officer noted.

This year’s tickets will be sold at UGX 100,000 – ordinary, UGX 200,000 – VIP, and UGX 3,000,000 for a table for eight.

For now; get ready to vote, book your ticket and see you on 18th November 2022 at Kampala Serena Hotel. #HiPipoMusicAwards #LevelOneProject

AFRICA

  1. Africa Number 1
    1. Ayra Starr
    2. Burna Boy
    3. Ckay
    4. Diamond Platnumz
    5. Fireboy
    6. Goya Menor
    7. Kizz Daniel
    8. Pheelz
    9. Rema
  1. Africa Best Act
    1. Burna Boy – For My Hand Ft. Ed Sheeran
    2. DADJU – AMBASSADEUR (ANIMATEUR : BRIGADE)
    3. Diamond Platnumz Ft Zuchu – Mtasubiri
    4. Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran – Peru
    5. Goya Menor & Nektunez – Ameno Amapiano Remix
    6. Kizz Daniel, Tekno – Buga
    7. Nyashinski – Properly Ft. Femi One
    8. Pheelz – Finesse (Ft. BNXN)
    9. Rema – Calm Down
    10. Ruger – Girlfriend

EAST AFRICA

  • East Africa Super Hit
    • David Lutalo – Kabisi Ka Ndagala
    • Diamond Platnumz Ft. Mbosso – Oka
    • Azawi – Majje (Ft. Fik Fameica)
    • Bruce Melodie – Akinyuma
    • Natacha – LAMOTO
    • Rayvanny Ft Zuchu – I Miss You
    • Sheebah – Nkwata Bulungi (Bailamos)
    • Iry Tina – Bindekere
    • Butera Knowless – Bafana Bafana Ft. BullDogg & Fireman
    • Nyashinski – Properly Ft. Femi One
  • East Africa Super Video
    • Bien x Aaron Rimbui – Mbwe Mbwe
    • David Lutalo – Kabisi Ka Ndagala
    • Diamond Platnumz Ft. Mbosso – Oka
    • Diamond Platnumz – Unachezaje
    • Nyashinski – Properly Ft. Femi One
    • Sheebah – Nabaleka
    • Innoss’B – Mortel-06

UGANDA

  • Artist of The Year
    • Azawi
    • David Lutalo
    • Eddy Kenzo
    • Fik Fameica
    • Sheebah
    • Winnie Nwagi
  • Song of the Year
    • Azawi Ft. Fik Fameica – Majje
    • Eddy Kenzo – Nsimbudde
    • John Blaq – Follow
    • King Saha – Zakayo
    • Mudra & Sheebah – Ayi
    • NTAATE – Brag About God
    • Rema Namakula – Akafee Che
    • Winnie Nwagi – Malaika
  • Video of the Year
    • Azawi Ft. Fik Fameica – Majje
    • David Lutalo – Kabisi Ka Ndagala
    • John Blaq – Follow
    • Jose Chameleone – Forever
    • Karole Kasita – Nywamu
    • Vinka – Fimbo
  • Breakthrough Artist
    • Eli Bulamu
    • Kataleya & Kandle
    • Pinky
    • Ronald Alimpa
    • Vyroota
  • Digital Music Queen of the Year
    • Azawi
    • Kataleya and Kandle
    • Sheebah
    • Vinka
    • Winnie Nwagi
  • Best Regional Song
    • Chris Johnz Ft. Fille – Ccupa
    • Elton Loverboy – Abekuri
    • Kim Nana – Tukutukutu
    • Levixone & Ray G – Yoya
    • OMEGA 256 – Am coming
    • Pato Loverboy Ft. Lucky Dee – Lworo Benega
    • Profesa Maros – Yin ilo
    • Serena Bata & Yaled – Onfunye Omusoga
    • Shanandi – Masala
    • Titus Vybes – Nadunga
  • Most Viral Song
    • Eddy Yawe Ft. Martha Mukisa – Neteze
    • Gravity – Tusimbudde
    • King Fa – Kokonyo
    • King Saha – Zakayo
    • Pinky x Grenade Official – Picha
    • Roland Alimpa – Seen Don Olusuku Lwa Cement
  1. Lifetime Achievement Award

UNBS Opens The 2nd Regional Food Safety Laboratory In Mbale City

Nicholas L Ntulume
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UNBS Opens The 2nd Regional Food Safety Laboratory In Mbale City

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has opened its 2nd Food Safety Laboratory in Mbale City to provide Conformity Assessment and Quality Assurance of products manufactured in Eastern Uganda.

According to Mr. David Livingstone Ebiru, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), this is part of the Bureau’s Strategic Plan to decentralize Quality Infrastructure and other Standardization Services to other parts of the Country. Similar Testing Laboratories were commissioned in Gulu City in July 2022, to serve Northern Uganda, with the next one planned for Western Region in the near future. He thanked Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) and the Danish Government for providing the critical equipment worth USD 4,455,283 for UNBS Regional Testing Laboratories and promised to put them to optimum use.

Mr. Ebiru urged all Enterprises involved in any form of Production, Processing, and Value Addition to take advantage of the decentralized Quality Infrastructure to enhance the quality and safety of their products by seeking certification services (Q-Mark) from UNBS before putting them on the market. He informed those involved in Export Trade that the Bureau is currently spearheading harmonization of common Standards within the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continent in order to facilitate market access of Ugandan-made products to the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also urged the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to seek certification services from the Bureau if their businesses are to remain competitive and sustainable.

Mr. Charles Musekuura, the Chairperson of the National Standards Council pledged to continue with the Bureau’s Agenda of taking Standardization services to every Region in order to reduce the cost of doing business and support the production, trade, and consumption of quality products across the country.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa welcomed the Bureau’s initiative of taking its services nearer to the people despite the constraints in resources and pledged his support to complement the effort. He noted that Quality Standards are critical in supporting the Government’s Industrialization Agenda, the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) Policy, Imports Substitution, and Export Promotion Strategies and urged all Enterprises engaged in any form of production, value addition, and trade to embrace quality standards by dealing in quality and safe products in order to protect public health and safety.

Hon. Mwebesa observed that, with the decentralization of Testing Laboratories to the Regional Offices, accessibility to UNBS services will be enhanced, the cost of doing business reduced, and the overall level of compliance to quality standards should improve.

The Deputy Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Henrik Jespersen, thanked the Bureau for putting the support extended to the best use and hoped that this will significantly contribute to the safety and quality of Ugandan-made products on the market, as well as support other Government Programs such as Agro- Industrialization, Manufacturing, and Private Sector Development which are critical for the country’s Economic Transformation. She urged UNBS to prioritize vulnerable Enterprises, especially MSMEs which are owned by Women and Youth in order to empower them to produce safe and quality products which are competitive on the market for their livelihoods. She tasked the Enterprises to take advantage of the decentralized Testing Facility to improve the quality of their products in order to benefit from the Regional and Continental Markets such as EAC and AfCFTA, including exports to other International Markets like the European Union (EU).

The Trademark East Africa (TMEA) Senior Director for the East and Central Region, Mr. John Ulanga thanked UNBS for being a dependable and trusted partner in facilitating trade and investments by putting the support so far given to the best use and for the intended purpose. He pledged to continue supporting UNBS in its effort towards making standardization services cheaper and easily accessible to the public through decentralization.

The Regional Laboratories will be testing a wide range of products, both food and non-food items such as edible fats and oils, milk and milk products, water, fruits and vegetables, cereals and cereal products, grains, and animal products, among others.

About UNBS

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a Government Agency responsible for the Developing, Promotion, and Enforcement of National Standards in order to Protect the Health and Safety of the Public and the Environment against Harmful and Sub-Standard Products; as well as Promoting Fair Trade Practices and Competition.

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