Today, Col. Ed Naka engaged in a pivotal meeting with Eng. James Kalibbala - Chair, National Standards Council) and Dr. John Patrick Kabayo - Vice Chair. They were joined by Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principle, College of Health Science, Mak, Prof. Gerald Karyeija – Dean, Uganda Management Institute, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director, Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), and representatives from the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Ms. Charlotte Kirabo and Ms. Hannah Kisakye. The session focused on shaping a regulatory environment that supports rather than stifles micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the ultimate goal of bolstering investor protection and national economic growth.

Discussions emphasized a paradigm shift: moving from criticism to offering constructive guidance for start-ups and smaller enterprises navigating product standards. Stakeholders highlighted the urgent need to invest in a fully equipped laboratory for comprehensive analytical testing—a critical step to guarantee product quality and safety across the board.

The meeting acknowledged several pressing challenges:

• Resource Constraints & Understaffing: Both within the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and government agencies, resource limitations and insufficient staffing hinder the effective implementation of standards and support for businesses.
• Frustrating Certification Processes: Many businesses suffer from lengthy and complex certification procedures, often paying fees but facing delays that can result in lost tenders and commercial setbacks.
• Potential Corruption & Misallocation: Concerns were raised about the misallocation of resources (like fuel and vehicles) and the risk of corruption undermining the standards system.

The consensus was clear: regulatory approaches must be flexible and context-sensitive. Rather than applying standards mechanistically, authorities should consider practical realities. The idea of “provisional” certification—akin to a learner’s driving permit—was proposed to let businesses operate while striving toward full compliance, without compromising public safety.

The Council leaders reassured all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) awaiting certification that the process is being expedited. They stressed the alignment of standards wherever possible, ensuring regulatory requirements are fair and attainable.

Stakeholders recognized the need to focus enforcement on the most dangerous uncertified products while providing guidance and pathways to compliance for well-intentioned enterprises. Standards should never be exploited for corrupt gain or as tools for unfair exclusion.

Col. Nakalema called for instilling a positive attitude among UNBS staff to promote patriotism and goodwill. This cultural shift is seen as essential for fostering national unity and creating an environment of trust and collaboration between regulators and businesses.

By embracing these reforms, the State House Investors Protection Unit and its partners reaffirm their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the protection of both domestic and foreign investors. The reforms strive not only to strengthen investor confidence but to ensure that every business—no matter how small—has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, standards-driven environment.

This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward a balanced, context-aware, and investor-friendly regulatory system that benefits all stakeholders in Uganda's dynamic economy.