Government through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has banned the importation of used clothes and shoes in a move aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Ben Manyindo (pictured), the Executive Director at UNBS defended the decision by citing the entity’s mandate, arguing that it’s their obligation to protect public health and safety to ensure that consumers get quality products that match value for their money.
“Following the declaration of the Coronavirus, a global pandemic by World Health Organisation and in line with Uganda standards, UNBS wishes to inform LL stakeholders and importers of used footwear and used textiles that as a precautionary measure, the importation of these commodities as been suspended with immediate effects until further notice,” the statement reads in part.
The development comes at the time studies from scientists have warned that Coronavirus can be carried on clothes and shoes, with caution to people to disinfect the items before taking them inside their houses.
Uganda is a big importer of old clothes and shoes especially from China.
