The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Metrology Day under the global theme, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making.”
The commemoration featured a high-level national dialogue that brought together policymakers,manufacturers, traders, regulators, academia, development partners, and the public to discuss the importance of accurate measurements in shaping effective policies and supporting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation in line with National Development Plan (NDP) IV and the ten-fold growth strategy.
During the event, the UNBS Executive Director, Eng. James Kasigwa, noted that metrology remains a cornerstone of national progress, competitiveness, and sustainable development, stressing the famous adage by Peter Drucker, ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’
“Reliable measurements are essential for fair trade, industrial growth, innovation, public health, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection. As Uganda continues to industrialize and integrate into regional and international markets, strengthening our national measurement systems is critical in building trust, improving quality, and supporting informed policymaking.” He said.
“Every sector of the economy depends on accurate measurement. If we are to achieve the ten-fold growth through Agro-Industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral-based Industrial Development, Science, Technology, and Innovation sectors, government needs to enhance investment in evidence based policy-making, which is informed by accurate measurements. ” He added.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza emphasized the need to review the Legal Metrology Bill 2026 and the Scientific and Industrial Metrology Bill 2026, to ensure accurate measurements and product compliance to standards.
“We have to review our laws to cater for the domestic, regional and international market requirements. Our products should be able to compete favourably on all markets. The Metrology bills seek to provide a modern,
legal and institutional framework for Metrology in Trade, Industry and consumer protection.” Ms. Bagonza said.
According to the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Executive Director, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, UNBS’ World Metrology Day dialogue has revealed the critical importance of UNBS’ metrology
function and the value UNBS provides beyond certification services. He pledged to mobilize the manufacturers to engage more closely with UNBS to strengthen metrology awareness, compliance and preparedness across the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of Global Consumer Center – Uganda, Mr. Henry Richard Kimera, called for collaboration and partnerships among all stakeholders to strengthen metrology and improve the quality of goods on the market.
The stakeholders called for more investment in the Metrology sector and enhanced awareness about metrology to ensure it reaches ordinary person.
The Chairperson of the National Standards Council, Eng. James Kalibbala, highlighted the achievements of UNBS in regard to metrology, citing;
Establishment of the National Metrology Institute with modern infrastructure and accreditation
Automation of Metrology services through the Metrology Laboratory Information Management System (MET-LIMS)
Integration of metrological standards into national strategic plans.
Continued training of Metrologists to ensure capacity development in regulated and unregulated areas.
Expansion of measurement services to underserved sectors and communities through mobile laboratories.
World Metrology Day is celebrated annually on 20th May to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875, which established the foundation for a globally harmonized measurement system. The day recognizes the important role of metrology in ensuring accuracy, reliability, fairness, and confidence in measurements that support trade, health, safety, environmental protection, industrial development, and scientific advancement.
UNBS, as Uganda’s national standards body, continues to play a vital role of ensuring accuracy, traceability, and confidence in measurements used across various sectors of the economy. Through its metrology services, UNBS supports manufacturers, laboratories, businesses, regulators, and consumers by promoting measurement accuracy and international comparability.
