In order to deal with the shortage and excessive increment of hand sanitizers prices in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization Hon Evelyn Anite has confirmed that Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and the spirit manufacturers have agreed to combat the hand sanitizer shortage by using the 7.3 million litres of alcohol in their facilities to make available, affordable and quality sanitizers.
During the meeting, Anite revealed that the spirit manufacturers and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) pledged to fast-track the registration of quality hand sanitizers.
“They assured of increased surveillance across the country to ensure fake sanitizers are not released onto the market,” Anite said.
Anite said government has also supported their decision by reducing taxes on spirits to enable them maximize production.
Last week, Police arrested several individuals for making fake sanitizers that put to risk lives of millions Ugandans.