LUWERO, Uganda — The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has confiscated over 500 suspected bags of substandard cement in Kasana Market and Kalongo Zone within Luwero Town Council, Luwero District, the agency announced Wednesday. The operation aimed to safeguard consumers from potentially dangerous building materials.
UNBS, a government body responsible for enforcing standards, acted on intelligence provided by the Officer in Charge of the Luwero Police Station. This led their market surveillance team to raid a hardware store suspected of repackaging and distributing cement that did not meet quality standards.
According to a UNBS statement, the team discovered that the store owner, identified as Daudi Mutaasa, possessed empty bags from well-known cement manufacturers such as Tororo and Hima. Authorities suspect these bags were intended for repackaging adulterated cement.
Further investigation of the premises uncovered sacks filled with stone dust and lime, substances commonly used to weaken cement and compromise its structural integrity. Officials also found a box of counterfeit Digital Comforty Mark (DCM) stickers, suggesting an attempt to deceive consumers about the product’s authenticity.
Mutaasa is expected to face legal action for his alleged involvement in the production and distribution of substandard cement, offenses that violate UNBS regulations and pose a significant risk to public safety.
UNBS urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious or substandard products by calling their toll-free numbers: 0800133133 or 0800233233. The bureau reiterated its commitment to enforcing quality standards and removing substandard goods from the market to protect public safety and ensure the structural soundness of construction projects.