UGANDA -The Ugandan government has banned procuring grain and grain products from entities not certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
This directive applies to all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), although primary and secondary schools are exempt until December 31, 2024.
The Grain Council of Uganda has expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance the quality of locally produced grain.
This ban is part of a broader effort to enforce the National Grain Trade Policy established in 2015 to improve the quality of Uganda’s grain—a crucial commodity for local consumption and export. Despite previous attempts to regulate grain quality, challenges persist.
According to State Minister for Investments Evelyn Anite, “Our products have faced rejection in international markets due to poor post-harvest management practices that lead to contamination with aflatoxins.”
This highlights the urgent need for compliance with established standards to safeguard public health and bolster cross-border trade.
Uganda’s agricultural sector is significant, producing approximately 3.5 million tons of grain annually, primarily maize and other cereals.
The value of these products exceeds US$2 billion, with exports generating around US$100 million. However, the government has struggled to maintain consistent quality control.
The 2015 policy mandated that public entities procure grain only from UNBS-certified suppliers, aiming to elevate industry standards and instill confidence among consumers and international buyers alike.
In response to the ongoing quality issues, the UNBS has developed various standards for grains and certified over 630 providers nationwide, with production capacities exceeding 217,000 tons per month.
To ensure adherence to these standards among government entities, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has introduced Guideline No. 13 of 2024.
This guideline stipulates that all government bodies must source grain exclusively from UNBS-certified providers.
Minister Anite elaborated on the legal framework supporting this initiative: “The issuance of the guidelines is anchored on section 134 of the PPDA Act Cap 205, which empowers the PPDA to issue and gazette guidelines for better public procurement practices.”
These guidelines are accessible on the PPDA web portal and will be disseminated to all relevant accounting officers for further distribution within their organisations.
The ban will significantly impact Uganda’s grain market by promoting higher standards among producers and traders.
By ensuring that only certified entities supply grain to government bodies, the government aims to eliminate substandard products from circulation.
This move will enhance consumer safety and improve Uganda’s reputation in regional and international markets.
The implementation timeline allows primary and secondary schools a grace period until January 2025 to comply with these new regulations.
This phased approach facilitates a smooth transition while ensuring that all sectors align with national quality standards.
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