UNBS Clears Cement Factories, Blames Underweight Bags on Illegal Repackaging by Dealers

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has dismissed claims that cement manufacturers in Uganda are producing underweight bags, saying investigations have instead linked cases of short-weight cement to illegal tampering at some points of sale.

The clarification follows the circulation of videos on social media alleging widespread sale of underweight cement, raising concerns among consumers and the construction sector.

UNBS Executive Director James Kasigwa said the bureau’s responsibility is to protect consumers by ensuring that products on the market are safe, meet required standards, and provide value for money.

He said cement is among the products closely monitored because of its importance in construction and public safety.

“Every coin you pay for cement must give you value. The cement must first be fit for purpose, but also there must be value for the money you are paying for the product,” Kasigwa said.

He explained that UNBS does not only protect consumers from unsafe products but also supports local manufacturers by ensuring that Ugandan products meet standards required to compete in regional and international markets.

Kasigwa said standards are not limited to Uganda, noting that cement produced locally must meet the same quality requirements applied to cement manufactured in countries such as China and European markets.

UNBS said all major cement manufacturers operating in Uganda are certified and regularly inspected.

The companies include Tororo Cement Limited, National Cement Company of Uganda Limited (Simba Cement), Hima Cement Limited, UBIH Cement Uganda Ltd, Old Continent Group (Africa) Ltd and Metro Cement Limited.

The bureau said inspectors conduct routine and surprise inspections at manufacturing plants, where samples are picked directly from packing points and storage areas.

The samples are subjected to weight verification and laboratory testing at UNBS internationally accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with national standards.

According to the UNBS boss , recent factory inspection results showed that sampled cement bags from manufacturers met the quantity requirements provided under the Weights and Measures (Sale and Labelling of Goods) Rules, 2007.

Dealers Accused of Tampering With Cement Bags

UNBS said market surveillance operations have established that cases of underweight cement are mainly occurring after the product leaves certified factories.

The bureau revealed that some dealers have been removing cement from genuine bags and repackaging it into used cement sacks obtained from construction sites.

UNBS said investigations identified three cement outlets in Mukono, Mbale and Nakasongola involved in selling underweight cement.

The affected warehouses were sealed, suspects arrested and are facing prosecution.

The bureau warned that selling underweight or adulterated cement is a criminal offence because it deceives consumers and causes financial losses.

Shs3 Billion in Substandard Products Seized

During the 2025/2026 financial year, UNBS said it seized more than 880 tonnes of substandard products worth about Shs3 billion.

The seized products included food items, cosmetics and construction materials, including cement.

UNBS said the operation prevented thousands of consumers from being exposed to unsafe or poor-quality products.

Kasigwa said Uganda has made significant progress in improving product quality compliance.

He noted that about seven years ago, only 54 percent of products tested on the Ugandan market met required standards.

However, laboratory assessments at the close of the last financial year showed that compliance had improved to 81 percent among tested products.

SMEs Certification Growth

Kasigwa also highlighted UNBS’ role in supporting local businesses to improve quality.

He said the number of certified enterprises has grown from 201 enterprises in the 2018/2019 financial year to about 2,500 small and medium enterprises certified in the 2025/2026 financial year.

He said strengthening quality standards is critical if Uganda is to achieve its economic growth targets through increased exports, import substitution and industrialisation.

Advice to Consumers

UNBS urged consumers purchasing cement to remain vigilant and confirm the weight of bags before payment.

The bureau advised buyers to ensure sellers have UNBS-verified weighing scales and to check product details, including: Manufacturer’s name, Batch numbers, Manufacturing dates

Labels and seals

Consumers were warned against buying cement bags with missing or altered information.

UNBS also appealed to construction companies and individuals to destroy empty cement bags after use to prevent criminals from collecting them for repackaging.