The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has seized about 79 tonnes of cement following a market surveillance operation in Kampala, raising fresh concerns about the sale of underweight construction materials.
The operation, conducted on September 24, targeted cement dealers around Goodshed-Biwologoma and the Entebbe Road area. UNBS said the seized quantity was equivalent to approximately 1,077 bags whose actual weights were below the quantities declared on their packaging.
The enforcement operation covered 29 cement stores and outlets. Inspectors also recovered more than four tonnes of empty cement packaging bags and other materials that officials said could indicate possible repackaging activity.
UNBS said the operation forms part of its continuing market surveillance programme designed to protect consumers and ensure that goods sold in Uganda meet mandatory standards. Underweight products can affect consumers financially because buyers pay for a declared quantity but receive less than what is indicated on the package.
The agency said several businesses and stores were found with suspected underweight cement or empty packaging materials. The affected locations included outlets around Goodshade and Goodshed in Kampala.
UNBS Senior Surveillance Officer Sarah Nantongo said consumers have a right to receive the exact quantity declared on a product. She said the bureau would continue conducting inspections and taking enforcement action against businesses that fail to meet the required standards.
Some suspects apprehended during the operation were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department of Uganda Police for further investigations. UNBS said enforcement proceedings would be pursued against responsible business operators in accordance with Ugandan law.
The operation is significant because cement is a major construction material used by households, contractors and businesses across the country. A shortage in the quantity supplied can increase construction costs, particularly for customers purchasing large volumes for homes, commercial buildings and infrastructure projects.
UNBS also warned traders against illegal repackaging and adulteration of cement. Repackaging can make it more difficult for consumers to establish the original manufacturer, declared quantity and other information normally provided on approved packaging.
Consumers have been encouraged to examine labels and packaging before purchasing construction materials. The standards body also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of substandard or underweight goods through its toll-free reporting lines.
The seizure comes as Uganda continues efforts to strengthen consumer protection and quality control in local markets. Market surveillance is intended to ensure that businesses compete fairly and that consumers are not disadvantaged by products that fail to meet declared specifications.
For construction companies and individual builders, the development is a reminder to purchase cement and other building materials from reputable dealers and to check packaging carefully. Buyers who suspect that a product does not contain the quantity indicated can report the matter to the relevant authorities.
UNBS said follow-up inspections will be conducted as investigations continue. The agency’s enforcement action could also help establish whether the seized cement resulted from isolated cases or a wider distribution and repackaging practice.
The investigation remains ongoing, and businesses involved will have the opportunity to go through the applicable legal process. Authorities have not indicated the final penalties that may follow the current operation.