UNBS Seizes 500 Substandard Motor Tyres Worth shs 200m

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) the independent body which is responsible for checking the quality of goods and products which are made locally and abroad before they are put to use in Uganda has seized over 500 motor vehicle tyres worth over shs 200m that were found to be substandard, Spyreports has learnt.

The products were seized during an abrupt operation which was conducted by UNBS in Kampala Metropolitan area on Tuesday. UNBS spokesperson Slivia Kirabo in an interview says the operation was conducted following the cries and complaints from the public over looming substandard motor vehicle tyres in the city. "We received information that the increasing road accidents across the Country are attributed to Substandard motor vehicle tyres which have rocked the market," Says Kirabo during a telephone interview. 

She says they launched a serious operation in different places in the city where products were seized. She added that some of them were got in the following areas Nam tyres limited 174 ,Velocity Wheels and tyres 161,Davzera tyres limited 92, Davzera tyre Center 61 among others. She further added that substandard tyres were in different types that include Linglong, GT radial, Achilles and other assorted brands.
"We have discovered that a number of tyres are defective and some are poorly stored which compromises the quality of them. When such tyres are used on motor vehicles, they can result into accidents, " she explained.

She added that poor handling of tyres, packaging, transportation and storage during importation pose a risk to health and safety of the public and environment. She went on and said UNBS  developed standards to regulate the quality of tyres on the market and urge all manufacturers, whole sellers, distributors, transporters among others to ensure the products meet the standards.
"All the traders that were found selling the substandard tyres were arrested and will be prosecuted in Utilities Court," she said adding that UNBS will further ask court to have all substandard products be burnt at the owners costs.