UNBS, IEC Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Safety of Electrical and Electronic Products in Uganda

What the report says

Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have deepened their working relationship after a two-day technical engagement focused on Uganda’s role in international electrotechnical standardization and conformity assessment. According to Watchdog Uganda, the meeting brought together IEC experts from the regional office in Nairobi and members of Uganda’s IEC National Committee, who also serve as UNBS technical officers.

The discussions centered on building the capacity of Uganda’s IEC committee and secretariat, while helping stakeholders better use the country’s IEC membership, which began in 2020. UNBS said the membership gives Uganda access to international standards that can be adopted locally to improve the safety, quality and performance of electrical and electronic products sold in the country. The bureau said it has already adopted more than 288 IEC standards covering areas such as cables, household appliances, solar photovoltaic systems, lighting, e-mobility and renewable energy.

UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa said effective use of these standards supports consumer protection, safe trade and environmental protection, especially as imports of electrical and electronic goods grow. The article also noted that most standards used in UNBS electrical testing laboratories are IEC-based. UNBS officials said the training on conformity assessment schemes should help import inspection, market surveillance and Pre-Export Verification of Conformity providers identify genuine compliance claims and curb counterfeit or substandard products.

IEC’s regional leadership said the organization’s Africa centre, based in Nairobi, supports members through technical assistance and capacity building. The engagement is expected to improve Uganda’s participation in standard-setting work and strengthen safeguards for consumers and sustainable development.