Speaker Among urges urgent action against counterfeits in Uganda
Among announced her commitment to fast-track the enactment of the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill, 2024, spearheaded by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Jeema, Bugiri Municipality) as a private member's initiative.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has called for swift action to enact legislation curbing the spread of counterfeit products in Uganda, highlighting the urgent need to protect consumers and the economy.
Speaking at an Anti-Counterfeit Expo at Parliament on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, she emphasized that the lack of a strong legal framework has put consumers’ lives at risk and caused economic harm to legitimate businesses.
Among announced her commitment to fast-track the enactment of the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill, 2024, spearheaded by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Jeema, Bugiri Municipality) as a private member’s initiative.
“Counterfeit products are a major health hazard, contributing to the rise in cancer cases and road accidents linked to substandard tyres, brake pads, and fuel,” she noted.
She also highlighted the unfair competition faced by genuine manufacturers, who struggle against counterfeit sellers offering cheaper, unsafe alternatives, resulting in tax distortions.
Among warned that counterfeits undermine President Yoweri Museveni’s value addition agenda, stressing the need for swift action to protect industrial growth.
“The Uganda National Bureau of Standards must conduct aggressive audits to eliminate counterfeits. Adulterators should not sabotage those engaging in value addition,” she asserted.
Among tasked MP Basalirwa to accelerate consultations and table the bill before year-end, promising that Parliament would pass the legislation quickly. “You [Hon Basalirwa] said this Bill should be a Christmas gift to Ugandans; bring it forward for tabling,” she urged.
Basalirwa affirmed the timeliness of the bill, noting that current laws are inadequate in addressing the counterfeit problem. “Fake products are alarmingly prevalent across the market. We’ve completed countrywide consultations and are ready for the first reading,” he stated.
Lawyer Fred Muwema, collaborating with Basalirwa, added that Uganda remains the only country in the region without an anti-counterfeit law.
“Counterfeits harm both our health and economy. The Uganda National Bureau of Standards reports that 58% of products on the market are fake. It’s high time we enacted this law,” he stressed.
