UNBS calls for Clean energy transitions

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) joined the World to celebrate “World Consumer Rights Day” with a call to all Ugandans to observe and promote Clean energy transitions.

The day was celebrated under the Theme" Clean energy transitions" and this aimed at encouraging consumers to exercise their Rights as they shift from FossilBased sources of energy such as Coal and Kerosene to renewable energy sources.

According to the Bureau, Consumers have the Right of Choice, The Right to be Heard, The Right to Safety, The Right to Redress, and The Right to Information. However, as Consumers exercise these Rights, they must be equally mindful of the impact these Rights can have on Ecology.

In Uganda today, Fossil-Based sources of Energy are still majorly used for lighting and cooking, despite the high amount of air pollution which they generate.

This pollution is harmful to both Public Health and the Environment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Household Air Pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237 000 deaths of children under the age of 5, globally.

Exposure to Air Pollution also leads to non-communicable diseases like stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

In line with the Bureau’s Mandate of protecting the Health and Safety of the Public and Environment against harmful and substandard products, as well as promoting Fair Trade, UNBS has developed Standards to guide Producers and Consumers on the transition to Clean Energy.