The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has stepped up efforts to eliminate the use of lumbesa, a non-standard method of packaging agricultural produce, warning that the practice undermines fair trade and often disadvantages farmers.
Speaking at the opening of the agency’s 37th Workers’ Council meeting in Dodoma on March 27, 2026, WMA chief executive officer Alban Kihulla directed officials to intensify inspections of farm produce markets and ensure compliance with proper measurement and packaging standards.
He asked council members to relay the directive to staff across the country so that inspections can begin immediately in areas where agricultural produce is traded.
The move is aimed at protecting farmers and consumers from unfair trading practices that arise when crops are sold using inconsistent or unverified measurements.
“While implementing these duties, we must ensure fairness in trade and safeguard government revenue,” Mr Kihulla said.
He noted that between July 2025 and March 2026 the agency had recorded progress in its mandate of protecting consumers through verification of measuring instruments, although new responsibilities have also brought additional challenges.
Among the emerging tasks facing the agency are verification of systems used to measure call durations in telecommunications services and inspection of water meters, responsibilities that have expanded the agency’s regulatory scope.
The issue of lumbesa was also raised during the meeting by Rugemalira Rutatina from the Trade Union of Government and Health Employees, who said complaints from citizens about irregular measurements and packaging practices continue to surface and need to be addressed.
Mr Kihulla said the agency had also received direction from the Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, to take firm action against the practice in order to protect farmers and strengthen transparency in agricultural markets.
He urged WMA staff to maintain professionalism and integrity in executing their duties, noting that the agency’s work plays an important role in protecting consumers, ensuring fair competition and boosting government revenue.
“I urge all staff to work diligently and professionally and to avoid corruption in the execution of their responsibilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the TUGHE WMA branch, Isaac Birahi, commended the agency’s leadership for improving the working environment for employees and called for continued efforts to strengthen staff welfare.
During the meeting, the agency’s Head of Policy and Planning, Nelson Ruturagala, reported that WMA had implemented more than 91.62 percent of its work plan between July 2025 and March 16, 2026.
He said the performance was driven by improvements in the supervision of measuring instruments, inspections, verification of pre-packaged goods entering the country and revenue generated from service fees.
Members of the council also discussed the agency’s work plan and budget for the 2026/27 financial year as part of preparations to strengthen oversight of measurement standards in the country’s trade sector.
