Experts in standards and consumer protection have called for accurate weights and measures, saying they are essential in safeguarding consumers from economic exploitation, health risks and other forms of injustice.
The call was made during a webinar held under the theme, “Role of Weights and Measures in Realizing Consumer Justice and Protection,” which brought together stakeholders from academia, the business community, health sector and consumer rights groups.
The online session was facilitated by Sylvia Kirabo and moderated by Benard Bwambale.
Experts noted that accurate measurements affect nearly every aspect of consumers’ lives, including food purchases, fuel transactions, medicines and laboratory tests.
They warned that tampering with weighing scales and other measuring equipment can lead to financial losses and serious health consequences.
“A consumer who buys one kilogramme of sugar but receives 800 grammes has suffered economic injustice. A patient whose laboratory test is done on uncalibrated equipment can get a wrong diagnosis,” the facilitators noted.
Participants were urged to ensure that weighing scales and other measuring equipment are regularly calibrated and properly maintained.
Consumers were also encouraged to remain vigilant, check measurements and demand to see weighing scales before completing transactions.
The webinar further called on regulatory bodies, including the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), to strengthen enforcement, inspection and public awareness on accurate measurements.
Experts said reliable weights and measures not only promote fair trade and build consumer confidence, but also protect public health and enhance industrial competitiveness.
The participants called on government, the private sector and consumers to work together in promoting a culture of measurement accuracy as a key foundation for consumer protection and justice in Uganda.
Participants pledged to use their respective platforms to promote consumer awareness and become ambassadors for consumer justice in their communities.