Africa-Press – Uganda. Consumer rights advocates are urging the urgent enactment of a comprehensive consumer protection policy in Uganda, citing the growing threat of counterfeit goods and the lack of clear legal remedies for affected consumers.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Consumers Choice Awards voting campaign, Bari Salim, Publisher and CEO of Consumer Guide Magazine, emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to support ongoing enforcement efforts by agencies like the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
“UNBS is making commendable efforts, especially in tackling counterfeit electronics,” Salim said. “But without a comprehensive policy, consumers have limited recourse when sold defective or misleading products.”
Salim called for legislation that ensures refunds or compensation for substandard goods, drawing comparisons to protections available in countries like the United States and across Europe.
“There, the law guarantees remedies when a product fails to meet expectations. Ugandan consumers deserve the same protections,” he added.
The proposed policy aims to formalise standards for product safety, define consumer rights, and streamline dispute resolution, aligning Uganda with international consumer protection norms.
Salim expressed optimism that Parliament would soon prioritise and pass the long-awaited bill.
“It’s time Ugandan consumers were fully protected by the law,” he said.
In the absence of robust legal protections, some companies are taking their own initiatives to build consumer trust.
Tembo Steels, one of East Africa’s largest steel manufacturers, has seen a surge in brand visibility and sales, thanks in part to growing consumer engagement and international recognition.
Wyclif Nyesiga, a company representative, stressed the importance of customer feedback in shaping business strategies.
“When consumers give positive reviews about Tembo Steels, I know we’re doing something right,” he said. “But it’s not just about the praise we use this feedback to identify areas for improvement.”
Tembo Steels has reported increased demand, with customers specifically seeking out its products.
“People want to associate with the best,” Nyesiga said.
He also highlighted the company’s expanding global reach.
“Tembo Steels is now on the international stage. Uganda was recently recognised as Africa’s top investment destination, thanks in part to a project we led in Dubai,” he said.
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