The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) last week on 20th May, 2016, joined the rest of the world to mark The World Metrology Day.
World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the signatures of the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875 by representatives of seventeen nations. The Convention set the framework for global collaboration in the science of measurements in its industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Meter Convention remains as important today to UNBS and the international community.
The day was marked at Ssaza Grounds, Mukono District under the theme; ‘Measurements in a Dynamic World’.
As part of the celebrations, a number of activities were conducted and these include;
Verification of weighing scales
UNBS offered free verification of counter weighing scales. More than 50, weighing scales were calibrated and stamped for use.
Demonstrations
UNBS staff displayed a number of equipment including, pressure measurements, volume and flow metrology, mass metrology, calibration of weighing instruments and thermometry metrology.
Speaking at the ceremony, the UNBS Executive Director Ben Manyindo, said UNBS is currently expanding its scope of service in areas of energy, health, and safety. He said UNBS is also lobbying for amendment of the Weights and Measures Act 1963 that awaits the 10th parliament.
Infrastructure
Mr. Manyindo said the construction of a national calibration rig used to calibrate fuel tanks at UNBS headquarters at Bweyogerere is also underway.
He also revealed that the standard agency is planning to construct and equip the National Metrology laboratory with an estimated $5 million.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Industries and Technology Joshua Mutambi who represented the Minister of Trade Industry and Cooperatives appreciated UNBS for enforcing in the sector of metrology.
He said complaints in the sector have tremendously reduced partly because of the increase in enforcement and, the partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in the area of Fuel Marking Programme.
According to the Commissioner, in the financial year 2014 / 15, UNBS inspected 720,764 types if equipment, an increase from 661,986 recorded the last financial year 2013 / 14.
“There is also a notable positive change in attitude towards compliance to the standards among the business community, especially traders. Currently, where there is a voluntary submission of weighing scales for verification as opposed to cohesion through enforcement,” Mr Mutambi said.
UNBS received over 120 counter weighing scales voluntarily for verification annually, unlike two years ago when 50 to 90 weighing scales were submitted.