The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has commenced the process of batch sampling and laboratory analysis of maize flour that is intended for export to South Sudan.

On Monday, August 28, 2023, Eng. John Paul Musimami, the Deputy Executive Director of Compliance at UNBS, camped at Afro Kai Limited in Matugga to conduct the analysis.

Eng. Musimami says the move is to ensure effective collaboration with millers to ensure that all the market requirements are fulfilled before exporting their products.

“UNBS is working to create the right conditions for business to flourish. We are,” said Musimami.

The exercise precedes a letter received from the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), directing all traders and clearing agents of goods to the South Sudan to ensure that commodities are accompanied by a certificate of conformity and a certificate of analysis from a reputable laboratory.

Musimami notes that this activity is in line with the UNBS mandate of strengthening Uganda’s economy by ensuring the quality of locally manufactured products to enhance the competitiveness of exports in the region and on international markets.

“As UNBS, we have to create an enabling environment, so we have arranged with the traders to make sure the export standards are met. We have handed over the first batch of certificates to maize traders, which was done on August 25, 2023,” said Musimami.

Jacob Kabondo, the Uganda Millers’ Association National Coordinator, thanked UNBS for its support and for complying with the request from their counterparts in South Sudan.

“We request that UNBS reduce the turnaround time for laboratory testing and analysis from two days to one. I also urge traders to embrace the new requirements,” said Kabondo.

In June, SSNBS impounded a number of Ugandan trucks loaded with maize grain and wheat on allegations of failing to pass the test for contamination with aflatoxin.