Two weeks ago, officials from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) visited Kwania district, closing down milling machines for maize, cassava, and soybeans.
The closure followed a grace period previously given to owners to improve their facilities, which many failed to do.
During the operation in Aduku town council and other parts of Kwania, only one mill—Obanga Pewany Millers (Unit 5)—was found to be fully compliant with all required standards and allowed to remain open.
The UNBS enforcement team later moved to Dokolo town council, where they inspected various mills. Out of those inspected, approximately 10 machines were closed, with only one meeting the necessary requirements.
Residents in Kwania and Dokolo expressed concern, noting that the closure of these mills has made life difficult.
It is now hard for them to process staple foods like maize, millet, and sorghum for both home consumption and local brewing if (malwa or kongo ting).
Business community response
Abel Ekol, the chairperson of the Dokolo Business Community, confirmed that the outcry from residents is real. He explained that UNBS closed the businesses because they lacked specific requirements.
According to Ekol, UNBS is demanding that mill owners possess all the required standards.
Alex Omodo, Director of Northern Link Investment Ltd in Dokolo, whose machine was among those closed, stated he is working hard to fulfil all the requirements listed by the bureau so he can resume operations soon.
Winny Acen, the Manager of Dokolo Millers, noted that while 10 mills were closed in her area, her facility was one of those found to be prepared, as they had already started implementing the UNBS guidelines before the inspectors arrived.
Eric Engola, Director of One Step Food Safety and Nutrition Solutions (who acts as a link between millers and UNBS), remarked that the widespread closures in Lango are a result of owners failing to follow the standard operating procedures for food processing.
When contacted via WhatsApp, Sylvia Kirabo, the UNBS spokesperson, clarified that these “market surveillance” operations are routine.
She emphasised that the inspections ensure health, hygiene, and a valid UNBS certification. She noted that this is not limited to the Lango region but is a nationwide exercise.
Kirabo added that because milling machines process food for human consumption, maintaining high standards is critical for public health.
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