The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has introduced media practitioners to digital tools to aid factual media reporting concerning standards interactions with the public.

While speaking at the Standards and Metrology Journalism Awards 2026 on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, in Kampala, Sylvia Kirabo, Principal Public Relations Officer and UNBS Spokesperson said that there is a need to reshape how standards and quality assurance are reported in Uganda.

“For a long time, reporting on standards has largely been enforcement-focused and driven by a police-versus-thief narrative, which often portrays standards as barriers to business rather than enablers of growth,” Kirabo said.

Kirabo noted that through a targeted media capacity-building initiative, UNBS is now working to shift this narrative by equipping journalists with practical knowledge and tools to report more accurately and constructively on standards, metrology, and certification processes.

“Journalists have undergone regional training across the country, where they were empowered to simplify complex concepts such as weights, measurements, and calibration, helping the public better understand how standards protect everyday consumers,” Kirabo said.

She further emphasized that the programme promotes inclusive trade by encouraging reporting that highlights opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as women and youth, positioning standards as a pathway to market access and competitiveness.

“The initiative provides technical mentorship and competitive story grants, enabling journalists to produce in-depth investigative content,” She said.

The tools introduced include UNBS mobile app and e-portal, to enhance fact-checking and verification of certified products.