The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has uncovered a large-scale counterfeit cement operation in Luweero Town Council, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of over 500 bags of substandard product.
The suspects—35-year-old Dauda Mutaasa and businessman Ronald Onyango—allegedly mixed genuine cement brands like Hima, Tororo, and Simba with stone dust to increase the quantity and profits. The result: a dangerously weak product being passed off as certified construction-grade cement.
UNBS acted after a wave of complaints from local builders and hardware customers reporting poor cement quality.
Sarah Nantongo, a surveillance officer with UNBS, confirmed the operation. “We found suspicious substances being mixed into the cement—ingredients that are not approved for use in any cement manufacturing process,” she said.
Counterfeit Cement: A Silent Structural Threat
According to Nantongo, proper cement includes essential strengthening compounds like calcium carbonate and iron. Tampering with this formula can result in serious safety hazards.
“When the product is altered using foreign materials like stone dust, it compromises strength. In most cases, it won’t bind properly. That’s a structural disaster waiting to happen,” she warned.
Investigators also found that the counterfeit cement was being repackaged into bags bearing fake quality symbols, including the UNBS Q-mark.
“They were illegally using our certification symbols to deceive buyers. That’s not only fraudulent—it’s dangerous,” Nantongo said.
Legal Action and Public Safety
Luweero Police confirmed the arrests and ongoing investigations.
Savannah Region Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima stated, “We’ve taken Mutaasa into custody. Over 500 bags of cement have been confiscated and are undergoing lab tests.”
If found guilty, the suspects face penalties of up to Shs30 million or a maximum of five years in prison for unauthorized use of the UNBS quality mark and distribution of substandard goods.
The case has been filed and will be handled at the Buganda Road Utility Court in Kampala.
UNBS Urges Vigilance from Buyers
UNBS is calling on the public to help combat counterfeit products.
“Always check for our Q-mark and other certification labels before making a purchase,” Nantongo urged.
The agency emphasized that such scams not only cheat consumers but also jeopardize lives, especially in Uganda’s fast-growing construction sector.
“This crackdown is part of a broader effort to eliminate fake construction materials from the market. We’re stepping up surveillance,” she added.
As the cement industry remains a pillar of Uganda’s development, UNBS’s swift action serves as a strong warning to rogue dealers looking to profit at the expense of public safety.
