In a bid to enhance and reinforce their operations, transparency, and accountability in processes and systems, Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has automated a number of their services that were previously manual.
The new electronic services are Laboratory Information Management Services (LIMS), Certification Information Management Systems (CIMS) and Online Support Service Automated imports clearance procedure.
The online support service will allow clients to register complaints as part of UNBS effort to increase public participation in the fight against substandard products on the market.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Dr. Ben Munyindo, the UNBS executive director said the electronic system will improve access to UNBS services from anywhere in the country.
“[The] use of ICT in service delivery is part of government’s effort to promote e-government. In addition, automation will allow us to keep up-to-date with the latest trends in the technology and to continuously innovate to better serve our clients,” Dr. Manyindo said.
He added that the UNBS with the support of Trade Mark East Africa automated its imports clearance procedures which have reduced the turnaround time for imports clearance from 11 days to 5 days.
UNBS is also among the government agencies that subscribe to the Uganda Electronic Single Window which allows various government agencies involved in imports clearance to interface and share data electronically
Mr. Andrew Othieno, the manager Imports Inspection department at UNBS revealed that the Laboratory Information Management System, a section where goods are tested before hitting the market is going to be linked to the e-portal.
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There have been persistent complaints from the public that when samples are submitted they take so long. However, Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister for Trade said that an innovation has been made to fight the delays.
“I would like to congratulate UNBS for the achievements and the strides you are making of quality in this country,” Minister Kyambadde said commending UNBS for the achievements.
“I normally get excited when I launch such innovations and I’m sure these innovations will be very effective,” she said.
The minister, however, tasked UNBS to sensitize the public on how the systems will work, saying “awareness is also key because not so many people know about it.”
This has come days after government through Uganda Revenue Authority has launched non-intrusive inspection scanners at Busia and Malaba.
The cargo scanners were acquired from NUCTECH, a China-based company by Uganda Revenue Authority customs’ department to streamline and improve cargo in transit thus boosting international trade.
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