The meeting, which is taking place in Kampala, brought together representatives of government agencies, laboratories from both the public and private sectors, research centers, universities, private businesses, and development partners. The purpose of this meeting is to approve and adopt recommendations that will help strengthen the country's food testing capacity.
This initiative is being implemented within the framework of the FAO project «Regional Strengthening of Food Safety Standards to Promote Trade and Public Health», which is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). According to UNBS, the event aims to reach a consensus on key measures that will strengthen food safety systems in Uganda and ensure that laboratory services meet international standards.
Food safety continues to be a critical aspect of public health, food and nutrition security, as well as Uganda's agricultural transformation and international trade. However, the country still faces serious problems related to aflatoxins and other mycotoxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbial contamination, and improper food handling practices. These problems pose a serious threat to consumers and reduce the competitiveness of Ugandan products in regional and global markets.
To gain a deeper understanding of the country's laboratory potential, a comprehensive assessment of food analysis methods, laboratory infrastructure, equipment, human resources, quality management systems, and verification of qualifications and readiness for accreditation in accordance with international standards was carried out. This assessment checked compliance with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization, including ISO/IEC 17025, which defines general competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, and ISO/IEC 17043, which sets requirements for proficiency testing providers.
Among the laboratories evaluated were the food safety laboratories of UNBS, Chemiphar Laboratories Limited, the laboratories of biopesticidal innovations of the National Agricultural Research Organization and Government Analytical Laboratories.
The evaluation resulted in recommendations aimed at strengthening the network of food safety laboratories in Uganda. These proposals include strengthening the policy, legal, and regulatory framework governing analytical laboratories, expanding access to laboratory facilities nationwide, and investing in advanced analytical equipment to improve testing efficiency. It was also proposed to increase investments in training laboratory staff to improve their professional skills, expand national qualification verification schemes, strengthen quality management systems to support accreditation for testing of pesticide residues, mycotoxins and heavy metals, and develop information materials to enhance the prestige of the laboratory profession at the state level. Stakeholders also recommended the creation of a functional national network of laboratories supported by a centralized information portal to improve coordination, data exchange, and access to testing services across the country.
The UNBS stressed that strengthening laboratory systems will significantly enhance Uganda's ability to detect pollutants in food, support evidence-based regulation, strengthen consumer protection, reduce food waste, and increase confidence in local products. The bureau also noted that strengthening laboratory capabilities will allow Uganda to expand access to regional and international export markets, ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.
The initiative supports the Agenda for the Transformation of Uganda's Food Systems, the Fourth National Development Plan, the African Union's Integrated Agricultural Development Program, and the United Nations Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation. They all recognize that food safety is a key element for sustainable economic growth, public health, and agricultural development. UNBS acts as a government agency responsible for developing, promoting, and complying with national standards in order to protect public health, safety, and the environment, as well as ensure equity.
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