Yesterday, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) released a statement in which it announced the suspension of the importation and clearance of used textile products and footwear commonly referred to locally as ‘mivumba.’
The announcement, which would be a big blow to a number of Ugandan businessmen and women who deal in those products fetched public uproar, with people wondering how the importation of such products will escalate the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Today, UNBS has retracted their decision, and thus halting the implementation of the suspension of the said products. UNBS sys that the debate rising from the suspension “may derail the focus of other existing measures put by government in curbing the spread of COVID-19.”
“UNBS has therefore decided to stay the implementation of the administrative measures of importation and clearance of used garments and used footwear mentioned in the earlier communication until further notice,” the statement signed by UNBS Executive Director, Dr Ben Manyindo reads.
Currently, Uganda has 61 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 41 have recovered, and no deaths so far.