Speaker Among Urges Swift Action on Anti-Counterfeit Law to Protect Consumers

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has stressed the urgent need for legislation to curb the rise of counterfeit products in Uganda, citing the risks posed to public health and the economy. Speaking at the Anti-Counterfeit Expo held at Parliament on 16 October 2024, Among called for the swift passage of the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services Bill, 2024, which is being championed by MP Asuman Basalirwa as a private member's bill.

"The lack of strong laws to stop counterfeits endangers lives and distorts the economy, harming legitimate manufacturers," Among stated. She linked the rise in health issues like cancer and road accidents to the prevalence of fake goods, including substandard tires and brake pads, as well as adulterated fuel.

Among also warned that counterfeit goods undermine President Museveni's value addition efforts in Uganda’s industrial sector. "Adulterators should not take advantage of those adding value to products. This legislation is vital to protecting industrialization," she added, calling on the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to intensify audits to combat fake goods.

Basalirwa echoed the urgency of the bill, stating, "The presence of counterfeit products on our markets is alarming. The current legal framework is inadequate to tackle this issue. We are ready to present the bill for its first reading."

Lawyer Fred Muwema, who collaborated on the bill, noted that Uganda is the only country in the region without a law on counterfeits, adding that a UNBS report shows that 58% of products on the market are fake.

Speaker Among urged Parliament to pass the bill before the end of the year, framing it as a crucial safeguard for consumers and legitimate businesses alike.