By: Boy Fidel Leon
For many of Uganda’s small and medium enterprises, the greatest barrier to growth isn’t market competition, but the long wait for a government stamp of approval.
The interface, held at SHIPU headquarters, sought to chart a way forward after complaints of entrepreneurs waiting up to 400 days for certification, delays that have disrupted business plans, stifled innovation, and undermined investor confidence.
This frustration was brought directly to the table in a high-level meeting between MSME owners and key government officials in Kampala. Entrepreneurs detailed how crippling delays in product certification by the UNBS are stifling innovation and stalling their businesses. Tasked with finding a solution are Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, and Ms. Lynette Bagonza, the Permanent Secretary for Trade, whose engagement marks a critical step toward clearing the bottlenecks that prevent businesses from establishing the deep roots needed for long-term success.
Col. Nakalema explained that SHIPU was instituted by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2023 with a clear mandate: to ensure government agencies do not delay or frustrate wealth creators.
“The President has received so many complaints that government ministries and agencies are delaying many investors in their journey of continuing to promote the economic development of Uganda,” Nakalema said.
She warned that continued inefficiencies at UNBS could trigger action from the Head of State.
Due to the many complaints against UNBS, the President is about to take action, and some people are likely to lose their jobs. We need officers who add value to their places of work,” she cautioned.
Acknowledging the impact on entrepreneurs, she extended an apology on behalf of the government.
We sincerely regret the frustration this long wait has caused for your businesses. I’m going to ensure that we uproot the wrong elements from the system. We cannot continue like this.
Echoing Nakalema’s sentiments, Ms. Lynette Bagonza admitted to the gaps at UNBS but assured entrepreneurs of reforms.
“As our chief clients, we should be supporting you to make investments successful, not to make you suffer as we build our nation together,” she said.
Bagonza tied the issue directly to Uganda’s 10-fold growth strategy, stressing that industrial growth cannot thrive amidst such inefficiencies.
We cannot achieve that if we hinder your ability to get there. I assure you of positive change. We are going to correct our mistakes. The Ministry is supervising the entity. That’s why we put up a new board to oversee the operations. I’m sure there will be a turnaround.
She further emphasised the need for a deliberate backlog strategy to reduce certification delays.
The UNBS leadership, represented by Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairperson of the National Standards Council, and Eng. James Kasigwa, Executive Director, offered apologies for the distress caused.
“I agree with most of what was raised, but there are some areas of information gaps which need to be covered,” Kalibbala said, while defending UNBS’ role in improving product quality.
Kasigwa was more candid, admitting the public interface had exposed serious issues.
Your comments call for action, and we commit not only to doing better but excellently. I want to assure you that we have good leadership in the Ministry and at the Bureau. We are at a turning point because we have a new board,” he said.
He revealed that UNBS had developed a strategic plan up to 2030, aligned with NDP IV and the 10-fold growth strategy, pledging a complete overhaul of systems and processes.
The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), represented by Executive Director Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, admitted that UNBS had been “in shambles” but welcomed the Ministry’s interventions.
“You have also increased their vote by three-fold,” he acknowledged, while urging entrepreneurs to hire quality control officers to keep their factories aligned with UNBS standards.
Academia also weighed in, with Prof. Bruce Kirenga of Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences urged greater accountability.
In addition to the strategic plan, we need to have an operational plan. Automate the system for effective service delivery,” he said.
Entrepreneurs did not hold back. Mr. Gaster Lule Ntake, proprietor of Ntake Group, said certification delays and exorbitant charges were crippling local industry.
“When I start an industry, my products can’t go to consumers without your stamp; you also delay giving us that stamp. The question is, are you promoting investment or…? You are very slow in decision-making and that leaves us stuck.
The interface was about restoring confidence in Uganda’s investment climate. By directly engaging entrepreneurs, SHIPU and the Ministry signalled a shift toward accountability and responsiveness.
As one participant noted, the meeting itself was a breakthrough, a rare moment when the government admitted fault, apologised, and pledged reform in the presence of those most affected.