KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a strategic engagement underscoring the critical link between quality assurance and market growth, the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) recently visited the facilities of Sunbelt Industry Ltd, a leading textile producer. The visit served as a platform to reinforce the vital importance of robust quality frameworks for manufacturers aiming to scale their operations and build lasting consumer trust.

Sunbelt Industry Ltd, a major producer of bedsheets, bedcovers, and kitenge with a formidable monthly output of 1.5 million meters, represents the scale and ambition within Uganda’s manufacturing sector. The discussions, led by UMA’s Director of Policy, Deo Ssenyondwa, and the UNBS team, focused on the necessity of securing system certifications and pre-market approvals to ensure products are not only high-quality and safe but also compliant with market regulations.

For manufacturers across all sectors, the guidance provided during this visit offers a clear blueprint for sustainable success.

Beyond the Product: The Power of System Certification

UNBS officials emphasized the value of “system certification” (such as the internationally recognized ISO 9001). This goes beyond testing a single product batch; it certifies that a manufacturer’s entire production process—from sourcing raw materials to final inspection and customer service—adheres to a consistent, documented, and quality-controlled standard. For businesses, this leads to greater efficiency, reduced waste, and a predictable level of excellence in every item produced.

The Q-Mark: A Symbol of Trust and Market Access

Alongside process certification, securing pre-market approvals and the UNBS Quality Mark (Q-Mark) for products is paramount. The Q-Mark serves as a third-party guarantee to consumers that a product has been independently tested and conforms to national standards.

This certification is not a bureaucratic hurdle but a powerful business tool that:

• Unlocks New Markets: Many large-scale buyers, including government entities procuring under the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, as well as regional export markets, require UNBS certification as a prerequisite.
• Builds Consumer Confidence: In a competitive market, the Q-Mark acts as a strong differentiator, assuring customers of quality and safety, which fosters brand loyalty.
• Levels the Playing Field: It protects reputable manufacturers from unfair competition from substandard or counterfeit goods, promoting a market where quality is rewarded.

Recognizing the challenges faced by some businesses, UNBS has instituted supportive measures like the Pre-Market Approval program, which allows manufacturers to place their products on the market for a limited time while completing the full certification process.

The Foundation of the “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda” (BUBU) Policy

The collaborative visit highlighted that the success of the BUBU policy is intrinsically tied to quality assurance. For consumers to confidently and consistently choose local products, the “Made in Uganda” label must be synonymous with quality, safety, and reliability. The enforcement of standards by UNBS, supported by advocacy from UMA, is the mechanism that builds and safeguards this essential consumer trust.

The engagement with Sunbelt Industry Ltd demonstrates a shared commitment between the regulator, the industry association, and leading manufacturers. By embracing and championing quality, Ugandan industries can not only scale their presence in the local market but also confidently compete across the region and beyond.