Why it is important to champion consumer rights against substandard products
Furthermore, consumers of off-grid solar energy often face the challenge of sub-standard products, which do not meet the required quality standards. This not only affects the performance and durability of the products but also poses a risk to the health and safety of consumers.
In November 2022, the Parliament of Uganda discussed a motion by the Bukoto West MP, Hon. Muhammad Ssentayi, on the need to put in place a comprehensive bill to protect consumers’ rights and interests. However, despite the initial discussions, the bill is yet to be presented to Parliament for debate and enactment.
The lack of a Consumer Protection and Management Bill has resulted in numerous challenges faced by consumers of clean energy in Uganda. One of the major issues is the unaffordability of grid power and off-grid solar equipment. Good quality solar home systems, solar irrigation equipment and other off-grid solar options are prohibitively expensive for many consumers. Additionally, high import duties further increase the cost of these products, making them inaccessible to the majority of Ugandans.
Furthermore, consumers of off-grid solar energy often face the challenge of sub-standard products, which do not meet the required quality standards. This not only affects the performance and durability of the products but also poses a risk to the health and safety of consumers.
Notably, in June 2023, Private sectors and civil society players that are promoting green economic alternatives for sustainable development which addresses human rights and climate change concerns in Uganda and East Africa at large submitted a memorandum of proposals to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives highlighting the urgent need for consumer protection measures in the clean energy sectors.
These proposals based on extensive research and consultation outline measures that can be taken to address the challenges faced by consumers of clean energy in Uganda. However, without the enactment of the Consumer Protection and Management Bill, these proposals cannot be effectively implemented.
Therefore, the government should fast track the Consumer Protection and Management Bill to ensure its timely presentation to Parliament for the debate and enactment. The enactment of the Bill will greatly benefit consumers of clean energy in Uganda and ensure that their rights are protected, and get access to affordable, safe, and high-quality products and services. Additionally, it will promote fair competition among suppliers, leading to improved products and services in the market. I believe this bill will greatly create a framework for promoting consumers’ welfare, ultimately protecting Ugandans from the risks associated with sub-standard products hence contributing to the prosperity of all Ugandans
Olive Atuhaire is a Research Associate at AFIEGO
