The Anti-Counterfeit Coalition Network (ACN) is set to unveil a new app, Bleep, to combat counterfeit products in Uganda.
This innovative platform enables consumers and manufacturers to detect and report fake products, promoting a safer and more transparent market.
According to Mr. Benam Serwanga, ACN’s Head of IT, the Bleep app is a game-changer in the fight against counterfeits.
“We created Bleep to make reporting counterfeit products easier and more convenient for Ugandans,” Serwanga explained.
“The app bridges the gap between consumers and producers, allowing users to report fake products in real-time,” he added.
The Bleep app, which is set to be launched by CAN soon, will be accessible for Android and iOS users, featuring a user-friendly interface that enables users to share photos of suspected counterfeit products.
Regulators, including ACN, Uganda Police, and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), can then investigate and take appropriate action.
Devastating Impact of Counterfeit Products
Counterfeit products pose a significant threat to Uganda’s economy and public health and according to recent studies:
Counterfeit products account for an estimated 10% to 20% of global trade, resulting in significant revenue losses for legitimate businesses and governments.
The counterfeit market in Uganda is valued at approximately UGX 1.5 trillion (around USD 400 million), with counterfeit goods ranging from food and beverages to electronics and pharmaceuticals.
Counterfeit products not only endanger lives but also create unfair competition, leading to job losses and economic instability.
For more information about Bleep, click the link below to check out their website.