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Museveni in Addis for IGAD meeting

President Museveni leaving Entebbe Internationa Airport

President Museveni has left for Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the 13th Ordinary Summit of the Inter-governmental Authority on Development IGAD.

The leaders are expected to deliberate on the new structure of IGAD, nomination of the new Chairperson and issues of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The ordinary summit was last held in 2010 when then Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki handed over the chairmanship to then Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi. Since then, Ethiopia has continuously held the chairmanship through its three successive Prime Ministers, Zenawi, Hailemariam Desalegn and currently Dr Abiy Ahmed.

At the beginning of the summit, Dr. Workeneh Gebeyhu will officially take over the role of Executive Director of IGAD from Ambassador Mahaboub Maalim. Yesterday, the IGAD Council of Minister held its 47th ordinary session.

On the occasion, Gedu stated notable achievements in IGAD during Ethiopia’s Chairmanship of the Organization for almost a decade.

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Manufacturing, Agro-processing and Industrialisation driving EAC growth

Inside manufacturing plant

The East African Community (EAC), with a population of about 168.2 million and a combined GDP of US$ 155.2 billion is one of Africa’s fastest growing regional blocs. Growth in the EAC is driven by a progressive manufacturing sector characterised by agro-processing and industrial production and exports, says EAC Trade and Investment Report 2018.

According to the report, the export sector is dominated by tea, coffee and horticulture. The region possesses significant amounts of extractive resources including oil and gas, high value minerals and renewable energy.

This Report provides a detailed analysis of the trends for the year and synthesises the prospects for enhancement of trade and investment in the region. “The aim is to provide a platform for stakeholders, academics and policy makers to review the status of trade and investment, examine the developments at the regional and global level that have an impact on trade and investment in the EAC and measures to link the Region to the global economy,” it says.

Key developments during the year 2018, with potential to influence future trade and investment outcomes, include the positive economic growth of the Region that positions the EAC as a trade and investment hub; the growing Global Value Chains that impact on agricultural production and industrial processes; logistical infrastructural development; and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The East African Economy expanded at 5.7 percent in 2018, up from 5.6 percent in 2017. The report attributes the growth to increased infrastructure investment in roads, rail and electricity; increased private consumption as well as recovery of commodity exports buoyed by improved weather conditions.

The construction sector improved in the whole of the EAC. There was also remarkable expansion of the services sector, particularly information and communication technology as well as manufacturing.

Most EAC partner states experience growth

All Partner States with the exception of South Sudan experienced higher growth in 2018. Burundi’s economy grew by 3.8 percent up from 1.3 percent in 2017. Rwanda’s economy experienced the highest growth in the Region expanding by 8.6 percent in 2018 up from 6.2 percent in 2017. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda also grew by 6.3 percent, 6.9 percent and 5.6 percent in 2018 up from 4.9 percent, 6.8 percent and 4.8 percent in 2017, respectively.

Merchandise trade

Merchandise trade grew by 11.7 percent to US$ 52.4 billion in 2018 from US$ 46.9 billion in 2017 as a result of an increase in the import bill and a fall in exports during the year. Total EAC exports decreased by 4.7 percent to US$ 14.0 billion in 2018 from US$14.7 billion in 2017 of which, intra-EAC exports accounted for 22.4 percent.

The decline in exports was attributed to low international prices of mainly agricultural commodities on account of higher production resulting from improved weather conditions. There was also a decline in the export of primary minerals. This situation was due to a fall in international demand resulting from the declining economic growth in China and the Far East. As a result of all this, earnings from coffee, tea and minerals fell by more than 24 percent during the year.

Exports to EAC and SADC amounted to US$ 3.1 billion and US$ 1.9 billion, respectively in 2018. This signified the growing importance of the EAC and SADC markets. The increase in exports to SADC, excluding Tanzania, was attributed to the increased benefits arising from the membership to the EAC-COMESA- SADC Tripartite. The main products exported by the Region included agricultural products especially maize, sugar, rice, coffee and tea as well as manufactured goods.

EAC Exports outside Africa

Outside the Africa Continent, the EU was our biggest trading partner and exports to the EU increased only by 6.5 percent to US$ 2.5 billion in 2018 from US$ 2.3 billion in 2017. This constituted about 17.5 percent of total EAC exports. However, exports to the USA and the rest of the world fell by 20.6 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively during the year mainly due to falling demand.

Imports into EAC

Total EAC imports grew by 19.2 percent to US$ 38.3 billion in 2018 from US$ 32.2 billion in 2017. Imports from the EU amounted to US$ 4.3 billion and accounted for about 11.3 percent, while imports from the rest of the world declined but still constituted 44.3 percent of total imports.

EAC’s key sources of imports

The main source of imports from the rest of the world were Asia and the Middle East signifying the importance of countries like China, India and the UAE as trading partners. The increase in imports was mainly under petroleum products arising from the higher global crude oil prices to US$ 73 per barrel on average during the year. In 2018 imports of petroleum products, vegetable edible oil, motors, machinery and medicaments constituted over 60 percent of total imports.

Overall, EAC continued to register a trade deficit with the rest of the world in 2018 partly because of an increase in imports into the Region. The deficit for the EAC increased by 39.4 percent to US$ 24.3 billion in 2018 from US$ 17.4 billion registered in 2017.

Agricultural goods dominate EAC trade

The composition of EAC trade continued to be dominated by agricultural commodities, namely coffee, tobacco, cotton, rice, maize and wheat flour. However, manufactured goods such as cement, petroleum, textiles, sugar, confectionery, beer, salt, fats and oils, steel and steel products, paper, plastics and pharmaceuticals were also traded across the EAC bloc.

Growth seen in EAC intra-regional imports

EAC intra-regional imports grew by 13.9 percent to US$ 2.8 billion from US$ 2.5 billion in 2017 and accounted for 7.4 percent of total EAC imports. Kenya’s imports from the rest of the partner states continued the growth experienced in the previous year.

Imports into Kenya grew by 14.7 percent to US$ 676.5 million. The increase was, to a large extent, driven by higher imports from Uganda and Tanzania. Imports from Uganda were mainly milk, dry beans and raw materials for the preparation of animal feeds. Imports from Tanzania mainly consisted of paper and paperboard, and ceramic products. Uganda’s imports from the Region grew by 40.8 percent to US$ 796.3 while Rwanda’s imports from within the Region also grew by 14.7 percent to US$ 549.1 million in 2018.

Kenya named Uganda’s main intra-regional trading partner

Kenya was Uganda’s main intra-regional trading partner and imports mainly included petroleum products, cement, iron and steel and pharmaceutical products. Rwanda’s intra-regional imports were dominated by salt, fats, cereals, and soaps, iron and steel, plastics and paper from Uganda and Kenya. Tanzania’s intra-EAC imports increased by 24.5 percent to US$ 302.7 million in 2018 from US$ 243.2 million in 2017. Tanzania’s key imports from the EAC partners included pharmaceuticals products, soaps, plastic items and other consumer goods, mainly from Kenya and Uganda.

Burundi and Sudan’s imports from EAC fall

Burundi and South Sudan’s imports from the EAC fell by 11.1 percent and 18.5 percent, respectively in 2018. Burundi main EAC trading partners was Tanzania and imports mainly consisted of chemical fertilizers, cement and textile articles. South Sudan’s main trading partners were Kenya and Uganda and imports mainly consisted of maize, sugar and manufactured commodities.

Intra-regional exports grow

Intra-regional exports grew by 5.6 percent to US$ 3.2 billion in 2018 from US$ 2.9 billion in 2017. Noticeably, exports from all Partner States grew with the exception of South Sudan during the year. Burundi experienced 44.3 percent growth in exports while exports from Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda grew by 11.4 percent, 9.5 percent and 6 percent, respectively during the year.

Exports from Kenya to the other partner states experienced a modest growth of 0.1 percent in 2018.

Despite the increased total trade, the Region continues to face challenges related to the trade performance. These include: vulnerability of the agricultural sector to the vagaries of nature; dependence on exports of primary products; and the rising oil prices. As such, there is need to reduce dependence on imports of fossil fuels, motors, crude palm oil, textiles and capital items.

Initiatives such as fast tracking the production of EAC oil and gas reserves, assembly of motors in the region and improvement of agricultural production through irrigation, post-harvest handling and value addition should be explored.

FDIs TO EAC slump

Foreign Direct Investments into East Africa decreased by 15.9 percent to US$ 5.7 billion in 2018 from US$ 6.8 billion in 2017.

Inflows to the United Republic of Tanzania increased by 2.3 percent to US$ 3.1 billion while inflows to Burundi and Rwanda decreased by 76.8 percent and 11.5 percent to US$ 15.1 million from US$ 65.1 million in 2017 and to US$ 1015.3 million in 2018 from US$ 1147.7 million in 2017, respectively. FDI into Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda fell by 32.4 percent, 11.7 percent and 51.8 percent to US$ 485.5 million, US$ 408.6 million and US$ 630.6 million in 2018, respectively.

Overall, FDI inflows to the EAC were concentrated in manufacturing, construction and services sectors. FDI into manufacturing and construction amounted to US$2.1 billion and US$ 1 billion in 2018, respectively.

China and India major sources of EAC FDIs

China and India continued to be the major sources of FDI into the EAC with inflows amounting to US$ 1.1 billion and US$ 281.02 million, respectively. Total intra-EAC investments decreased by 20.8 percent to US$ 152.7 million in 2018 from US$ 192.9 million in in 2017.

The Trade and Investment Report 2018 focuses on market-driven integration as the driver of economic development and growth. Trade and investment are important drivers of productivity; employment generation; and access to a range of products at low prices necessary to enhance the standard of living. The Report is aimed at showcasing progress in regional trade and investment.

It shows that EAC has to focus on improvements in critical areas if the Region is to grow.

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Outrage as gov’t allows study of power project Murchison Falls National Park

Part of Murchison Falls

Government has lifted its objections to a South African firm conducting a study for a hydropower dam at a site on the River Nile where mighty waterfalls and wild game have been a major tourist attraction, according to the state minister for tourism Godfrey Kiwanda.

Plans by the firm, Bonang Power and Energy, to develop a 360 megawatt (MW) plant at the site of Murchison Falls were first announced by Uganda’s state-run energy sector regulator Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) in June.

The announcement quickly stoked outrage from tour operators, nature enthusiasts and even the government’s own wildlife protection agency, keen to protect one of Uganda’s last great wilderness areas.

Critics argued the project would ruin the falls and blight tourism activity around them.

“Electricity is important for our country but GOD given beauty and endowment for Uganda generates huge tourist attraction – forex and employment-therefore i strongly recommend that we save the Murchison falls for posterity, ”said Capital Mike Mukula, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

A decision was subsequently taken by cabinet to ban the project, including carrying out any feasibility studies for it.

The government has changed its position and will now allow a study to be conducted, Kiwanda said.

“Cabinet has now agreed to a feasibility study on the project and the study will give us a way forward,” he said.

“We need to conserve our natural environment but also we need electricity because if we don’t produce more power, people may end up cutting trees for fuel and destroy the environment.”

Tourists have been flocking to the site to see the falls located on a section of the Nile between the lakes Kyoga and Albert. They also visit the area to view favoured game like lions and elephants in a 3,900-square kilometre national park that surrounds the falls.

Kiwanda said if the study found a way of developing the project that limits adverse impact on the environment and disruption to tourism activity “then the project will be allowed to be developed.”

The government of President Yoweri Museveni has been eager to boost inflows of private sector investment into the country’s energy sector to help ramp up generation capacity, power an industrialisation drive and cut reliance on wood fuel.

Uganda’s total generation capacity is expected to hit nearly 2000 megawatts when a 600MW Chinese-funded hydropower dam, also on River Nile, is commissioned next month.

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Livingstone Mbabazi appointed Wakiso Giants head coach

new wakiso giants manager charles mbabazi

Uganda Premier League side Wakiso Giants FC have confirmed the appointment of Charles Livingstoine Mbabazi as their new head coach for the next three-and-a-half years.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Livingstone Mbabazi as Head Coach on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.” A statement from Wakiso Giants website read.

“Mbabazi, a top player during his playing days is one of the best coaches in the land with excellent tactical proficiency as exhibited at wherever he has coached.”

The Club CEO Sula Kamoga said: “In Mbabazi, we have one of the best coaches around who is truly passionate about the game. He is a great tactician and has the experience to steer the club in the direction of our ambitions and we believe he will bring the desired energy and belief to the dressing room and the entire club as well.”

Mbabazi on his new challenge: “I am delighted to be joining a club with great ambitions. The club’s organisation and their sense of direction is what has attracted me and am looking forward to having success here.”

He replaces Kefa Kisala whose contract was terminated after a 3-0 loss to Express FC.

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Ebola responders killed in DRC

Health workers

Two attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have killed four workers responding to the Ebola outbreak and injured five others, the World Health Organisations (WHO) says.

The attacks occurred overnight on a shared living camp in Biakato Mines and an Ebola response coordination office in Mangina.

“We are heartbroken that people have died in the line of duty as they worked to save others,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization Director-General. “The world has lost brave professionals.”

The dead include a member of a vaccination team, two drivers and a police officer. No WHO staff are among those killed, one staff member was injured. Most of the other injured people are from the Ministry of Health.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the first responders killed in these attacks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We are doing everything possible to bring the injured and front-line workers in the impacted areas to safety. These constant attacks must stop. We will continue to work with the DRC Government, partners and MONUSCO to ensure the security of our staff and other health workers.”

In the last week, there were seven cases of Ebola, down from a peak of over 120 per week in April 2019.

“Ebola was retreating. These attacks will give it force again, and more people will die as a consequence,” said Dr Tedros. “It will be tragic to see more unnecessary suffering in communities that have already suffered so much. We call on everyone who has a role to play to end this cycle of violence.”

The situation is still evolving. WHO will provide updates as new information comes in.

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Centenary Bank to close 8 branches on Saturday

Centenary Bank

Centenary Bank, Uganda’s largest commercial microfinance bank, will on Saturday temporarily close eight of its branches around the country to enable its staff to participate in unnamed activity organised by the bank, Eagle Online can say.

The branches to be closed are; Kotido, Moroto, Kamuli, Koboko, Kanungu, Kisoro, Hoima and Masindi.

The management of the banks says during this period, clients may access services at branches in surrounding towns and via alternative channels including CenteMobile, CenteAgents, Internet Banking, all ATMs countrywide and various Point of Sale terminals.

This comes after the bank early this November launched a customer centric reward promo dubbed “Cente Christmas” aimed at encouraging its customers to embrace the use of alternative banking channels that are digitally-driven.

Centenary Bank currently has the biggest Agent banking network with close to 4,000 Agents countrywide.

“Last year, the bank rolled out our Visa Debit card to enable its clients to assume cashless transactions. The bank is the largest issuer of Visa cards in the country with over 870,000 card, according to managers.

It customers can now pay taxes using the CenteMobile and also use the MasterPass QR Code to pay for goods and services at various merchants.

These channels are meant to help minimize the need for customers to travel long distances to access services, since a good number of them live in the rural areas. Other benefits that customers can enjoy are saving on their valuable time and transport costs as well as the convenience of transacting anytime, anywhere.

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Church of Uganda marks 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence

Archbishop Ntagali flagging off the campaign against gender based violence

The outgoing Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali, has flagged off a prayer walk to mark 16 days of activism against gender based violence.

The walk which attracted hundreds of people from Mothers Union, Fathers Union, Market Vendors, Schools and other institutions began from All Saints Cathedral and ended at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.

In his remarks, Ntagali said “As the world commemorates 16 days of activism against gender violence, the church joins to add voice against gender violence in a Thursday in black campaign-against rape and violence. We condemn in the strongest term possible, actions of rape and violence against women and girls.”

He said the church, is deeply concerned about the increasing trend of sexual and gender-based violence in the Country especially towards women and girls including the continued harmful practices such Female Genital Mutilation, Child marriages and the increasing cases of child molesting and defilement and its negative consequences.

Given the prevailing circumstance on the gender-based injustices in the Country, Ntagali expressed his concern over the delayed passing of the Sexual offences Bill. “Once passed, the Law will protect Men, Women and Children against sexual exploitation and abuse, reduce sexual harassment and end impunity and provide basis for punishment of perpetrators of Gender based injustices.” He said.

Next week, Sexual Offences bill will be presented on the floor of Parliament despite not being issued the certificate on financial implication, will exhibited by the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and our Hon Members of the Parliament of Uganda.

He implore the government of Uganda through the Parliament of Uganda to pass the Sexual Offences Bill and Give Uganda a Christmas and New Year’s gift.

“As we commemorate the 16 days of activism, the church pledges through its structures to contribute to protection of children and call upon government to accelerate action to pass and implement gender related policies,” he said.

He vowed that the Church will continue to support and corporate towards a balanced world and shall continue to speak against such intolerable behavior to amplify global voice towards gender justice bearing in mind that we are one in Christ Jesus and created equal. (Galatian 3:28).

According to Irene Anena, the Gender Officer for Church of Uganda, today’s walk was very successful and meaningful impact has been made.

“The Statement has been made. People from different social classes coming out to embrace this campaign and accepting to be advocates of Gender justice is of great importance to church of Uganda and I believe, with this huge turn up and concerted efforts, we shall put an end to gender Violence.” Anena said.

She called upon the clergy, politicians and all other leaders in their respective capacities to support the campaign.

Henry Tumwesigye, the Director for Household and Community Transformation (HCT) in Church of Uganda applauded the funders of this campaign and appealed for more support to enable the Directorate carry out interventions in more parts of the Uganda.

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University Football League rewards best performers of 2019

MVP: Uganda Christian University's WERE DERRICK

The best players and teams that excelled in this years’ University Football League were rewarded with accolades and cash prizes at the awards Gala that took place at Kati Kati, Lugogo.

Uganda Christian University were crowned the 2019 University Football League (UFL) champions following a 2-1 win over St. Lawrence University in the final.

The outstanding players from all the Universities that took part in the competition were awarded with an accolade and cash prize of Ugx 500,000.

Were Emmanuel Derrick , UCU’s goalkeeper was voted league MVP while Kizito Kaye, also from UCU won the Golden boot with 15 goals in 11 games.

The champions UCU smiled home with Ugx 4,000,000 as prize money and a trophy while the runners up St. Lawrence received Shs 3,000,000 plus silver medals. Third placed team Bugema University received Shs 2,000,000.

List of winners

Best fans: Uganda Martyrs University fans.

Fair play Award: Muni University

Best Tutor: Wagogo George – Kyambogo University

Best Coach: Nyanzi Meddy – Bugema University

Best Goalkeeper: Were Emmanuel Derrick – UCU

Best Defender: Gift Fred – Bugema University

Best Midfielder; Kasule Owen Ibrahim – St Lawrence University

Top Scorer (15 goals): Kizito Kaye – UCU

MVP: Were Emmanuel Derrick – UCU

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ICC dismisses Jean-Pierre Bemba’s appeal, says former rebel must serve one year in prison

Jean-Pierre Bemba

The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague yesterday delivered its judgement, dealing a blow to Jean Pierre Bemba Gombo and two others who had appealed to a re-sentencing decision by the Trial Chamber that the defendants must serve one year imprisonment and but also that Bemba pays  fine of 300,000 Euros for interfering with witnesses.

Bemba was sentenced alongside, Aimé Kilolo Musamba and Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo for war crimes committed in the Central African Republic. He was arrested in May 2008.

The Appeals Chamber of ICC confirmed rejected all three grounds of appeal of Bemba and confirmed the re-sentencing decision as taken by Trial Chamber VII of the Court.

The Appeals Chamber found that the Trial Chamber VII of the Court did not fail to comply with its directions on re-sentencing, did not err in law or in fact, nor did it impose a disproportionate sentence.

The ICC Appeals Chamber also noted that Mr Bemba did not demonstrate any violation of his rights. Finally with regard to the Defence’s arguments on the ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ICC Appeals Chamber found that this decision had a different scope and therefore the Trial Chamber correctly found that it was not for this Court to intervene in the DRC domestic electoral proceedings.

On October 19, 2016, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba, Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, Fidèle Babala Wandu and Narcisse Arido were found guilty of offences against the administration of justice related to intentionally corruptly influencing witnesses and soliciting false testimony of defence witnesses in the other case against Mr Bemba at the ICC. The convictions and acquittals in relation to all five accused are final.

On March 22, 2017, Trial Chamber VII delivered the sentences in the case. On 8 March 2018, the ICC Appeals Chamber reversed the initial sentences against Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba and Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo and remanded the matter to Trial Chamber VII for a new determination. On 17 September 2018, Trial Chamber VII issued its re-sentencing decision.

Judgment-on-the-appeal-of-Mr-Jean-Pierre-Bemba-Gombo-against-the-Decision-of-Trial-Chamber

In its re-sentencing decision, Trial Chamber VII sentenced Mr Bemba to one year imprisonment and fined him EUR 300,000 that was to be paid in three months and not exceeding 50 percent of his identified assets as per ICC stipulations.

Kilolo and Mangenda were sentenced each to a total of 11 months of imprisonment. Kilolo was also fined EUR 30,000. The Chamber ordered the deduction from the convicted persons’ sentence of the time they had spent in detention, pursuant to an order of the Court and, accordingly, considered the sentences of imprisonment as served. The fines were ordered to be paid to the Court within 3 months of the Trial Chamber’s decision and thereafter transferred to the Trust Fund for Victims.

On October 18, 2018, Bemba’s Defence filed its Notice of Appeal against this decision and the appeal was filed on 17 December 2018. The Appeals Chamber held a hearing on 4 September 2019 to hear the arguments of the parties in the appeal.

Bemba at the time he was arrested was President and Commander in Chief of the Mouvement de libération du Congo (MLC) and was alleged to be criminally responsible for four counts of war crimes and two counts of crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the Central African Republic from 25 October 2002 to 15 March 2003.

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UNBS launches online verification of weighing equipment

Dr. Ben Manyindo

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has digitalised the verification and calibration of weighing equipment to increase efficiency and reduce turnaround time.

Speaking at the launch of the eMinzani platform, the UNBS Executive Director, Dr. Ben Manyindo said: “The UNBS eMinzani system has replaced the manual systems of record keeping, payment and verification. This will go a long way in improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in our systems and processes.”

The eMinzani system is an online way of verifying all measuring and weighing equipment and will enable UNBS technicians or inspectors extend services to all stakeholders across the country at the same rate. An electronic payment avenue has been create within the system which will make payment for UNBS services easier which will in turn reduce the cost of doing business.

“Previously, verification and record keeping of clients’ verification data was done manually but the new platform will create a database that will enable easy access to information to inform decision making.” Dr. Manyindo said.

In August 2018, UNBS launched seven electronic services for certification, standards development, tracking laboratory results, the Webstore for purchasing standards, the e-rig for verification of fuel tankers, the UNBS mobile App and the online helpdesk. This has increased productivity, efficiency and turnaround time.

“Our primary role is to serve our customers wherever they are in the country and reduce the cost of doing business in Uganda. I would like to urge our clients embrace our newly automated system and to help us identify areas for continuous improvement.”  Dr. Manyindo said.

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