High cost of production certification and low UNBS capacity
Review the UNBS financing model so certification proceeds as and when the private sector pays for it
Agreed, but implementation has not begun.
Where this stands
Current remittance-to-consolidated-fund cycle causes waits of up to six months.
Why this reform was agreed
UNBS certification fees remain prohibitive for SMEs as each product requires individual certification even where all derive from the same raw material. The funding mechanism delays certification: businesses pay and then wait up to six months. Limited funding and delays in releasing money remitted to the consolidated fund leave UNBS with staff numbers too low to handle certification requests in a timely manner.
Ongoing and planned interventions
UNBS introduced batch certification, encouraging SMEs to apply as groups or cooperatives within the same value chain to reduce costs. Government reduced certification fees by 50% for PDM beneficiaries engaged in value addition, easing access to the Q-Mark. UNBS has decentralised services through regional offices in Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara, and operates a third-party Product Certification Scheme to widen outreach.
Progress updates
No progress updates recorded yet
Updates are published as the lead institution confirms movement on this action.
Measures tracked against this reform
Certification turnaround after payment
Up to 6 months
UNBS · As at March 2026