KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has reaffirmed the safety and certification of a number of Ugandan-manufactured alcoholic products reportedly restricted from accessing the Rwandan market.
In a media release issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, UNBS said the affected products are certified in accordance with East African Community (EAC) harmonised standards and should therefore enjoy unrestricted movement across EAC member states under existing regional trade protocols.
The clarification follows reports that the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had restricted several alcoholic drinks including Ugandan brands. This came after Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a strong warning to young people about the dangers of alcohol abuse, urging them to reject what he described as the “religion of alcohol.”
UNBS said the products cited in the reports are all certified by the Ugandan standards body in line with applicable EAC standards.
According to UNBS, the reported restrictions are inconsistent with the Mutual Recognition of Quality Marks protocols applicable across EAC partner states.
The protocols, established under the EAC Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) framework, require prior notification to a member state’s National Standards Body where there is an issue concerning a certified product.
“UNBS learnt of the matter through social media reports,” the agency said, noting that the Rwanda FDA had not filed an official notification concerning the restrictions.
The matter was subsequently discussed during an EAC Secretariat meeting held on August 10, 2026, involving representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
UNBS said the meeting established that no technical or scientific justification had been provided to sustain the product restrictions.
“Consequently, UNBS re-emphasises that all Ugandan products carrying the distinctive Q-Mark enjoy unrestricted movement across all East African Community Member States under existing regional trade protocols,” the statement said.
The standards body also reassured the public, distributors and consumers that the affected products are safe and compliant with regional standards.
UNBS said it remains committed to facilitating regional trade in line with the EAC integration protocol.
The affected products
The products listed by UNBS include:
- Blended Whisky Bond7 — Uganda — US EAS 141:2018
- Gilbey’s Flavored Gin — Breweries Limited — US EAS 145:2018
- Campfire Gin — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US EAS 145:2018
- X5 Gin — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US EAS 145:2018
- X5 Whisky — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US EAS 141:2018
- X5 Liqueur — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US 1534:2014
- Jonney’s Pineapple Flavored Gin — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US EAS 145:2018
- Pan Master Blended Mature Whisky — John Distillers (U) Ltd — US EAS 141:2018
- Club 5 Gin — Glorrie Industries Limited — US EAS 145:2018
- Tembo Liqueur — Glorrie Industries Limited — US 1534:2014
UNBS said the certification permits the products to circulate within the EAC market, subject to the applicable regional trade framework.
The standards body said it will continue working within the EAC framework to promote standards compliance, protect consumers and facilitate legitimate regional trade.
