The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and police, has impounded substandard and counterfeit paint at Naiga Complex in downtown Kampala.
Several suspects were arrested and are set to be arraigned in the Standards and Utilities Court.
Speaking from the scene, UNBS spokesperson Sylvia Kirabo said the operation followed tips of marketing intelligence about counterfeiting and adulteration of products, specifically on paint.
“Today we are here in downtown Kampala in the central business area at Naiga Plaza, roof top, we found people who are manufacturing paint. These individuals are not genuine manufacturers. They are not registered by government and are operating illegally.”
Kirabo added that the suspects lacked technical competence in paint production, which has strict standards under UNBS.
“UNBS has standards for paint. These standards give specifications to guide manufacturers on what to mix. Globally, there is concern about lead in paint. Lead is a heavy metal and prohibited beyond certain levels regulated by UNBS. The people we found have no knowledge of what paint is supposed to be mixed with, so they cannot put a quality product on the market.”
She also revealed that the suspects were counterfeiting multiple well-known brands.
“We have found over six brands being counterfeited. Currently, UNBS has certified over 40 manufacturers who are putting forward more than 230 products and brands of paint. These unregulated actors are not recognized by government, they are not paying taxes, and they are infiltrating the market, taking resources that should go to genuine manufacturers and investors.”
Kirabo further highlighted that the counterfeiters were producing finished products with forged seals and distributing them through retail outlets, putting consumers at risk:
“We have found finished products packed in known brand packaging material with forged seals. They supply these products to retailers. Unsuspecting consumers or contractors buying paint in Kampala will not know by looking that the product is adulterated or not genuine.”
UNBS is urging Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to seek certification before placing their products on the market.
UNBS continues to crack down on substandard and counterfeit products to protect consumers, promote fair trade, and support economic growth through genuine, certified manufacturers.
