Overview: The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) issued a statement on August 14, 2026, challenging restrictions imposed by Rwanda on ten specific alcoholic beverage brands. The agency asserts that all affected products hold valid certification under EAC harmonised standards and comply with regional safety requirements.
The Full Story
UNBS stated that the dispute emerged after reports indicated the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority had restricted several Ugandan-made alcoholic products from its market without giving formal notice. Representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda met under the EAC Secretariat on August 10, 2026 to discuss the matter. The meeting established that there was no technical or scientific justification to maintain the restrictions.
The standards agency argued that the action breached the Mutual Recognition of Quality Marks protocols among EAC partner states. UNBS said all the affected products hold valid permits and comply with the relevant EAC harmonised standards. Consequently, UNBS re-emphasizes that all Ugandan products carrying the distinctive Q-Mark enjoy unrestricted movement across all East African Community Member States under existing regional trade protocols.
What This Means
The row adds to concerns over non-tariff barriers within the EAC, where member states have committed to easing the movement of goods across borders. Under the East African Community Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing Act, a member state should notify another country’s national standards body if it identifies a problem with a certified product.
Consumer Takeaway
The agency reassured consumers and distributors that the affected products are safe and comply with regional requirements. The brands manufactured by Uganda Breweries Limited, John Distillers (U) Ltd and Glorrie Industries Limited include Blended Whisky Bond7, Gilbey’s Flavored Gin, Cambridge Gin, X5 Gin, X5 Whisky, X5 Liqueur, Jonney’s Pineapple Flavored Gin, Pan Master Blended Mature Whisky, Club 5 Gin and Tembo Liqueur.
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