About National Metrology Laboratory

What is Calibration?

Calibration is the process of comparing and adjusting a measuring instrument or equipment against a known and traceable standard to ensure that its readings are accurate and reliable.

In simple terms, calibration checks whether an instrument is giving correct measurements and, if necessary, corrects it so that its results match an accepted reference standard.

Calibration is essential in laboratories, industry, and testing environments because it ensures that measurements are consistent, trustworthy, and compliant with required standards—such as those maintained by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

Without calibration, measurement errors can occur due to wear, aging, or damage of instruments, leading to unreliable results and incorrect decisions.

Calibration of Test Instruments and Equipment

Establishing the authenticity of test results obtained from laboratories—whether manufacturers’ laboratories, private laboratories, or public laboratories—requires that all instruments and equipment used for measurements and testing are properly calibrated.

Calibration ensures that measurement results are accurate, reliable, and traceable.

Why Calibration is Important

The primary purpose of calibration is to determine the accuracy of measurement instruments.

Over time, instruments may:

• Get damaged during handling
• Drift in accuracy due to continuous use
• Change performance due to age or wear

If a faulty or uncalibrated instrument is used, the conformity of a product to required specifications becomes questionable.

For this reason, instruments should be:

• Calibrated at the time of purchase
• Recalibrated at regular intervals depending on usage
• In some cases, calibrated before every use

UNBS Calibration Laboratories

The following laboratories are available for calibration services:

• Dimensional laboratory
• Density and Viscosity Laboratory
• Electrical Laboratory
• Mass Laboratory
• Thermometry Laboratory
• Volume Laboratory
• Pressure Laboratory
• Flow and Large Volume Laboratory
• Force and Torque Laboratory
• Analytical Laboratory

These laboratories support accurate measurements across different industrial and scientific applications.

Calibration Charges

    Download Calibration Charges 2018-01-01

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Deus Mubangizi
Manager, National Metrology Laboratory

Email: deus.mubangizi@unbs.go.ug
Phone: 0417 333250
Mobile: +256 772 494 025