Relevance of The Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act (Unbs Act) As A Consumer Protection Mechanism

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Table of Contents

Declaration ....................................................................................................................................... i

' Approval .......................................................................................................................... .' .............. ii

Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgement ......................................................................................................................... iv

List of legislations ............................................................................................................................ v

Table of Contents .............................................................. : ............................................................. vi

Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... ix

CHAPTER ONE .............................................................................................................................. 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY .............................................................................................. l

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ I

1. I Background to the study ............................................................................................ .1 •••• ••••••••••• 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ........................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Purpose of the study .................................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Research objectives ................................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Research questions ..................................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Scope of the study ...................................................................................................................... 6

1.6.1 Geographical Scope ................................................................................................................ 6

1.6.2 Content Scope ......................................................................................................................... 6

1.6.3 Time Scope .............................................................................................................. ............... 6

1. 7 Significance of the study ........................................................................................................... 6

1.8 Methodology of the study .......................................................................................................... 7

1. 9 Literature review ........................................................................................................................ 7

CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ .' ........... 16

UNBS MANDA TE IN THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMER RIGHTS ................................... 16

2.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 16

2.1 UNBS Activities and Services ................................................................................................. 16

2.2 Gaps in the UNBS mandate that exporters have to contend with ......................................... : .. I 6

2.3 UNBS relationship with other organizations ........................................................................ ... 18

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................................... 20

CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN UGANDA ................... ................................. 20

3.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 20

3.1 Contract Act of2010 ofUganda .............................................................................................. 20

3 .2 Sale of Goods Act, Cap 82 ...................................................................................................... 21

3.3 The Weights and Measures Act, Cap 103 ................................................................................ 22

3.4 The Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act, Cap 327 ....................................................... 22

3.5 National Drug Policy and Authority Act, Cap 206 .................................................................. 23

3.6 Control of Drug Supply .............................................. : ............................................................ 23

3.7 Food and Drugs Act ................................................................................................................. 23

3 .8 The Public Health Act ............................................................................................................. 24

3.9 The Judiciary ........................................................................................................................... 24

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 26

CHALLENGES OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW IN

UGANDA ...................................................................................................................................... 26

4.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 26

4.1 Competitive economy ........................................................................................................ ...... 26

vii

4.2 Opening up of the economy ..................................................................................................... 27

4.3 Freedom and abuse .................................................................................................................. 27

4.4 Comprehensive and coherent reform ....................................................................................... 28

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................................... 29

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................... 29

5.1 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... ........ 29

5.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 30

References ...................................................................................................................................... 31

Abstract This research is investigating the extent of the UNBS Act in the protection of consumer rights in Uganda. Due to the various abuses of the rights of the consumer in Uganda, there is nowhere to run for remedy. This is because despite concerted efforts to have a law in place to protect Ugandan consumers in the last ten years, the government is yet to give it the attention it deserves probably because of its investor-centric approach to commercial issues. The fate of consumers in Uganda is similar to those in many countries if a survey released on World Consumer Rights Day (March 15, 2013) is to be believed. A survey of consumer protection legislation conducted by Consumers International (CI) in 58 countries has revealed a concerning lack of government attention with regard to consumer rights. According to Consumer International, consumers rights include; the right to· derive satisfaction from the product consumed, the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard and to seek redress (if aggrieved) as well as the right to be educated about a product before consumption. However, these rights are often trampled upon, partly because of a lack of policy and the appropriate legal framework. This research therefore investigated on the various provisions related to consumer protection and most especially the UNBS Act and still finds that the government needs to create proper consumer protection legislation.

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Relevance of The Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act (Unbs Act) As A Consumer Protection Mechanism

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