The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has urged procurement and supply officers in public and private institutions to ensure all newly purchased measuring equipment is verified before being put into use.
WMA Supply Officer Rehema Komba said the verification process was critical in protecting consumers and preventing institutions from incurring losses arising from inaccurate measuring equipment.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the 21st East African Trade Fair at Furahisha Grounds in Mwanza, Ms Komba said institutions should not distribute newly purchased equipment directly to users before it had been checked by WMA.
“We oversee the procurement process, but once the equipment arrives, we remind our institutions to first take it to the Weights and Measures Agency for verification. Do not fear a delay of a few days; fear losses that could continue for years,” she said.
She cited water authorities and companies as an example, saying procurement officers should ensure newly purchased water meters are submitted to WMA for verification before being installed at customers’ premises.
Ms Komba said involving WMA at that stage would help strengthen fair trade and protect consumers from being affected by inaccurate measurements.
“If every supply officer provides this advice immediately after procurement is completed, we will make significant progress in promoting fair trade and protecting consumers in the country,” she said.
She added that WMA had modern equipment that enabled it to provide verification services quickly, helping institutions avoid unnecessary delays in their operations.
The East African Trade Fair, which began on August 28, is scheduled to run until September 6, 2026.
