By Ismail Bategekaom
www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala–
The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA) has announced November 27 as the date for this year’s National Quality Awards, an initiative aimed at promoting quality products, consumer protection and private sector development in Uganda.
Dr Thadius Musoke Nagenda, the NETA president, said the awards are intended to recognise businesses that provide quality goods and services while encouraging entrepreneurs and traders to improve their products to meet consumer expectations.
He said the initiative would also strengthen customer feedback and ensure that consumers receive value for their money.
“The awards are intended to increase private sector business development, improve customer feedback and ensure that consumers get value for their money,” Dr Musoke said.
He said NETA plans to work with government regulatory agencies and other institutions to assess the performance of goods traded and manufactured in Uganda before the awards ceremony.
The agencies expected to collaborate with NETA include the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the National Drug Authority (NDA), the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Bank of Uganda.
Representatives serving on an independent national technical assessment committee are also expected to participate in the assessment process.
Dr Musoke said the organisers intend to engage consumers to gather their views on products available on the market, including their performance and any challenges experienced while using them.
The feedback is expected to help inform the evaluation of businesses and products considered for recognition during the awards.
“We want to engage consumers to understand the performance of goods on the market and the challenges they face so that we can identify the best-performing products,” he said.
The exercise is expected to bring together traders, manufacturers, consumers and regulatory institutions in an effort to encourage businesses to pay greater attention to product quality and customer satisfaction.
The involvement of government agencies could also help ensure that products are assessed with consideration for applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
NETA has also identified the Uganda Investment Authority and the Uganda Manufacturers Association among the institutions expected to be involved in the initiative.
Their participation is intended to strengthen engagement with the business community and promote quality improvement among manufacturers and other private sector players.
Dr Musoke said the awards would provide an opportunity to encourage businesses to improve the quality of their products and services while responding to the needs of consumers.
NETA has requested President Yoweri Museveni to preside over the November 27 ceremony.
