Journalists have been urged to change the narrative around standards and quality assurance, with experts emphasizing that standards are not obstacles to business but vital gateways to trade and economic growth.
The call was made during a training organized by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) for 30 journalists across the Northern region in Gulu City, aimed at improving media understanding and reporting on standards, quality infrastructure, and consumer protection.
Speaking during the training, Enock Kalabika, a Standards Officer at UNBS, challenged journalists to correct what he described as a widespread misconception in the media.
“Standards are not barriers but a ticket to trade, and when products meet recognized standards, they gain access to local, regional, and international markets,” Kalabika said.
He further noted that the role of journalists is critical in helping the public understand this and they play a crucial role as part of the stakeholders.
Kalabika noted that many producers, particularly small and medium enterprises, often view certification and compliance processes as costly restrictions.
However, he said standards are designed to ensure product safety, quality, and competitiveness, which ultimately benefits both businesses and consumers.
According to Kalabika, better-informed reporting can help businesses understand that standards are tools that support market access under frameworks such as the East African Community regional trade system.
During the training, journalists were encouraged to report more accurately on issues related to product certification, consumer protection, and quality assurance.
Richard Odong, a journalist with Radio Pacis, said the training had helped clarify several misunderstandings about the work of UNBS.
“Often in the media we report about confiscation of substandard goods without explaining the standards behind such enforcement,” Odong said.
He added: “This training helps us report with better context so that the public understands why standards matter.”
Another participant, Joanita Adong, a reporter with tndNews, Uganda, said journalists have a responsibility to bridge the information gap between regulators and the public.
“Many small businesses fear UNBS because they do not fully understand the process and as journalists, we must simplify these technical issues so producers know how standards can help them grow,” she said.
UNBS officials explained that standards play a key role in protecting consumers from unsafe products while helping Ugandan goods compete in regional and international markets.
Kalabika noted that improved media coverage can also help highlight success stories of businesses that have benefited from certification.
“When journalists report about standards positively and accurately, they help promote a culture of quality in the country,” he said.
The training also covered topics such as product certification, inspection, testing, and market surveillance, which are part of UNBS’ mandate to regulate product quality in Uganda.
Participants called for continued engagement between the media and regulators to improve public understanding of quality infrastructure.
Organizers said the training in Gulu City is part of broader efforts by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to build partnerships with the media across the country.
Journalists noted that increased knowledge about standards will help them produce more accurate, balanced, and investigative reports on issues affecting businesses, trade, and consumer safety.
As Kalabika concluded, the message to the media was clear that standards are not barriers but they are the passport that allows products to move and compete in the market.
The training was organised by Uganda National Bureau of Standards in partnership with Trade Mark Africa and Ultimate Media Consult as part of the regional training of journalists on reporting standards and metrology.
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