UNBS STAFF MASQUERADERS CONVICTED

  13th November , 2023 ,       Hits: 1103

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) calls upon the public to be vigilant following reports of individuals masquerading as UNBS staff, conducting unauthorized weighing scale verifications in different parts of the country and extorting money from the unsuspecting public.

Following investigations by Police on behalf of UNBS, three (3) Senior Mechanics: Wagoba Akim, Kaala David and Kirya Charles belonging to Eastern United Scale Repairers Limited, together with two (2) trainees Ateru James and Mundu Ali, who were masquerading as UNBS inspectors were arrested.

The suspects who were allegedly conducting illegal activities in Kaabong, Moroto and Kotido Towns in Eastern Uganda were presented before the Standards and Utilities Court on 26th October 2023 and remanded to Luzira prison for further hearing of their case.

During the court hearing on 2nd November 2023, the suspects were charged with six counts;

• Repairing Minzani equipment belonging to Iyamet Alice, without a valid license
• Obtaining money by false pretence; The suspects, falsely pretending to be licenced weighing scale repairers, with intent to defraud, obtained Ugx. 80,000 from Iyamet Alice purporting it to be money for repairing, testing and stamping of a counter weighing scale.
• Repairing Minzani equipment belonging to Lokong Nicholas, without a valid license
• Obtaining money by false pretense: The suspects, falsely pretending to be licenced weighing scale repairers, with intent to defraud, obtained Ugx. 64,000 from Lokong Nicholas purporting it to be money for repairing, testing and stamping of a counter weighing scale
• Possession of counterfeit UNBS E-Minzani stamps with the intent to defraud the public
• Conspiracy to commit a felony by falsely presenting themselves as UNBS licensed equipment repairers whereas not

Kaala David, Kiirya Charles, Mundu Ali and Ateru James pleaded guilty to all the charges and were remanded to Luzira prison until Monday 6^th November 2023 when prosecution was expected to present the brief facts, while Waboga Akim pleaded not guilty.

On 6th November 2023, the convicts were sentenced to pay a fine of One million nine hundred eighty thousand shillings (Ugx. 1,980,000) each or in default serve an imprisonment term of twelve months.

Hearing of the matter against Waboga Akim who pleaded not guilty is expected to continue.

UNBS is responsible for verification and stamping of weighing equipment in line with the Weights and Measures Act Cap 103 and licenses mechanics in line with its mandate of ensuring fairness in trade and precision in industry through reliable measurement systems.

UNBS encourages the business community to be alert and ensure that;

• For any UNBS surprise inspection of weighing equipment, the UNBS Inspector should have a VALID UNBS WORK ID, a VALID UNBS Authority Card, putting on a UNBS uniform or overcoat.
• Mechanics licensed by UNBS should bear a VALID workshop Identity Card as evidence. The list of workshops licensed by UNBS is available on the UNBS website under Legal Metrology or via https://bitly.ws/XtP8
• Genuine Inspectors and mechanics operate from designated or centralised stamping stations and NOT within shops or along shop verandas.
• All exchange of Cash should be at the designated or centralised stamping station and clients should be given a receipt and corresponding services for the monies paid.
• The licensed mechanics should repair weighing equipment in the presence of the Trader. NO SWAPPING OR EXCHANGE of weighing equipment should take place between the trader and the mechanic.
• The UNBS Inspectors should issue reports after seizure, verification and stamping of the weighing equipment.
• UNBS inspectors should place valid stickers on verified weighing equipment in the presence of the trader.

UNBS urges the public to desist from masquerading UNBS staff and report any suspicious activity to UNBS using Toll free lines: 0800133133 / 0800233233 and WhatsApp line 0713227580 for more information.

About UNBS

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a statutory body responsible for developing, promoting and enforcing standards n protection of public health and safety, and the environment against dangerous and substandard products, and ensuring fairness in trade and precision in industry through reliable measurement systems.

For more information, please contact:

Sylvia Kirabo,

Principal Public Relations Officer,

Uganda National Bureau of Standards,

Bweyogerere Industrial Park,

Plot 2 - 12, Kyaliwajala Road,

P.O Box 6329 Kampala, Uganda.

Mobile Tel: 0703196903

Office Tel: 256 417 333250/ Toll Free Line: 0800133133/0800233233

E-mail: sylvia.kirabo@unbs.go.ug/ info@unbs.go.ug

Website: www.unbs.go.ug