By Isaac Tugume
Uganda is grappling with a deadly enemy—counterfeit products—and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among is calling for immediate action.
Counterfeit goods are flooding the market, posing grave threats to both the economy and the lives of unsuspecting consumers. From fake medicine to faulty car parts, the damage caused by counterfeits is severe and far-reaching.
Speaking at the Anti-Counterfeit Expo, held at Parliament on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Speaker Among delivered a resounding message, urging all Ugandans to actively join the fight against the spread of counterfeit products. She stressed that this battle is not just a government responsibility but one that demands the involvement of market actors, consumers, and regulators.
“Counterfeit products are killing Ugandans.”
“These dangerous knock-offs not only hurt our economy but endanger lives. The rise in cancer cases, road accidents caused by faulty car parts, and even sickness from counterfeit drugs are directly linked to this growing problem,” said Speaker Among.
She attributed the continued rise in counterfeit goods to Uganda’s weak legal framework, which allows these dangerous products to be smuggled into the country unchecked. According to her, this poses a significant threat to legitimate manufacturers and results in massive economic distortions that undermine tax collection and market stability.
The Threat to Health and Economy
Counterfeit products are not just harming Uganda’s economy; they are destroying lives. Speaker Among pointed out how consumers are often lured by the lower prices of fake goods, unaware that these products, from brake pads to medicines, can lead to deadly consequences. “It’s heart-wrenching to see how these dangerous counterfeits are costing lives across Uganda. People unknowingly buy fake medicine, counterfeit car parts, and adulterated fuel—all of which put lives at risk.”
Among also decried how counterfeiters create unfair competition for legitimate manufacturers by flooding the market with cheaper, yet hazardous alternatives. “Genuine manufacturers are suffering because they have to contend with counterfeiters who sell harmful products at lower prices. This undercuts the market, leading to lost revenue and tax distortions,” she added.
A Call for Legal Reform
To address the counterfeit menace, the Speaker called on the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to step up efforts by conducting more aggressive audits and cracking down on counterfeit products. “UNBS must protect those involved in value addition and ensure that counterfeiters don’t undermine their hard work,” she said.
Among also tasked Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Ausman Basalirwa to fast-track the Anti-Counterfeit Goods Bill (ACGB), with a goal of enacting it by the end of the year. She emphasized that passing this bill would be the “biggest Christmas gift to Ugandans,” offering a robust legal framework to combat counterfeits.
Hon. Basalirwa, who has been spearheading efforts to bring the bill to Parliament, echoed the Speaker’s sentiments. “The spread of fake products in Uganda is alarming. The existing laws are insufficient to address the counterfeit problem. We’ve conducted nationwide consultations and are ready for the first reading of the bill,” he said.
Uganda Left Behind in Regional Fight Against Counterfeits
Adding to the discussion, lawyer Fred Muwema, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN), highlighted that Uganda is the only country in the region without a law specifically addressing counterfeit products. “This bill is crucial for safeguarding our economy and protecting consumer lives. Uganda cannot afford to lag behind in this fight,” Muwema said.
The Anti-Counterfeit Expo
The Anti-Counterfeit Expo, organized by the Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN), brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector, and consumer protection organizations. The event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products while showcasing potential solutions to this growing threat. Exhibitors from various companies and law enforcement agencies discussed the need for a collective effort to curb counterfeiting and protect Ugandan consumers.
The Expo also spotlighted the importance of technological innovations in the fight against counterfeits, with platforms like Bleep enabling consumers to report counterfeit products and help law enforcement track down offenders.
A National Call to Action
As Uganda moves toward enacting the Anti-Counterfeit Goods Bill, Speaker Among’s call is clear: every Ugandan must play their part in stopping the spread of counterfeit products. Whether through stricter regulations, consumer vigilance, or the work of organizations like the Anti-Counterfeit Network, this fight affects everyone.
“We must unite as a nation. If we don’t stop these counterfeiters now, more Ugandans will suffer the consequences. It’s time to act—our lives depend on it.”