The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has called on the government to increase investment in the country's measurement infrastructure, warning that reliable measurement systems are essential for protecting public health, promoting fair trade and accelerating economic growth.

The call was made by Deus Mubangizi, Manager of the National Metrology Laboratory at UNBS, during a high-level stakeholder engagement with Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) held on October 27, 2026.

Mubangizi explained that metrology, the science of measurement, plays a critical role in everyday life and the delivery of public services. Its applications include medical diagnosis, fuel dispensing, electricity and water billing, agricultural trade and industrial production.

He noted that inaccurate measurements can have serious consequences, including incorrect medical readings, unfair commercial transactions, compromised product quality, unsafe infrastructure and rejection of Ugandan products in international markets.

According to Mubangizi, strengthening the country's measurement systems is important for building consumer confidence, safeguarding public safety and ensuring that locally manufactured products meet internationally recognised quality requirements.

Uganda's National Metrology Laboratory serves as the country's National Metrology Institute. It is responsible for maintaining national measurement standards and ensuring that measurements in the country are traceable to internationally recognised units.

UNBS currently operates 10 metrology laboratories covering mass, temperature, volume, pressure, dimensions, electrical quantities, flow, density, force, torque and chemical analysis.

However, Mubangizi identified several areas where Uganda needs to expand its measurement capabilities, including radiation measurement, acoustics, vibration, speed verification and advanced time and frequency standards.

He called for stronger institutional support, increased government funding, updated metrology legislation and greater awareness among policymakers and public institutions to strengthen Uganda's National Measurement System.

The investment, he emphasised, is important for Uganda's economic transformation because accurate and reliable measurements support innovation, industrial competitiveness, international trade and improved product quality.

He further noted that strengthening metrology would contribute to the country's Tenfold Growth Strategy by supporting industries to produce competitive goods and services while improving confidence in trade and industrial processes.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for government institutions to appreciate the role of measurement standards in public service delivery, regulatory enforcement, consumer protection and national development.

Among the institutions represented were the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Ministry of Local Government, Office of the Auditor General, Inspectorate of Government, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) and National Planning Authority.

The call for increased investment in metrology comes amid wider efforts to strengthen Uganda's quality infrastructure and improve the competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

During Uganda's 2026 World Metrology Day public dialogue, UNBS and other stakeholders also highlighted the importance of accurate measurements in policymaking, industrial development, public health and consumer protection. The discussions emphasised the need for stronger measurement systems and greater awareness of metrology across the economy.

UNBS maintains that reliable measurement systems are not only important for laboratories and industries but also for ordinary consumers who depend on accurate measurements when purchasing goods, receiving medical services and paying for utilities.

Strengthening the country's metrology infrastructure is therefore considered an important part of improving public confidence, protecting consumers and positioning Ugandan products for greater competitiveness in regional and international markets.