By Felix Oketcho
In a bid to save the public from consuming counterfeits, Consumer Choice Awards (CCA), an independent firm has launched a voting exercise that aims to inform the public about genuine products in the market.
The one- month voting exercise is now open for the public. They will vote using their phones by identifying best producers of quality products in the market.
Unveiling the voting exercise, recently, Consumer Choice Awards director Bari Salim said the voting exercise will culminate into consumers choice awards that will take place in November this year in Kampala.
Consumers Choice Awards was established with the sole purpose of recognizing business excellence for businesses.
According to Uganda National Bureau of Standards, close to 54% of products in the market are counterfeits hence pausing health risk to the public.
CCA is the only organization in Uganda to recognize business excellence by conducting statistically comprehensive and objective accurate independent market research survey to determine brand reputation, business excellence, quality of service, value and professionalism and integrity.
“It is a true reflection of the marketplace as it represents the option of consumers and buyers across Uganda. This award recognizes the brand that consistently delivers a high level of service to its customers day in, day out,” Salim emphasized.
He further said that each year the consumer’s guide will recognize the best companies for their earnest efforts in business excellence and keeping the customers best interests in mind.
“Our mission is to honor companies and individuals who go that extra distances for their customers and also make sure they get the recognition they so richly deserve,” he said.
According to UNBS Standards Manager, Hatib Mufumbiro, the body has introduced mandatory certification to fight counterfeits in the market.
UNBS is also rolling out sensitization programmes to educate the general public on quality products in the market. It has also increased its surveillance to arrest culprits.
