UNBS Arrests Four as Over 400 Cartons of Counterfeit Toilet Paper Are Seized in Kampala

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has arrested four people during an operation against counterfeit toilet tissue in Kampala, recovering more than 400 cartons of fake and substandard products together with thousands of counterfeit packaging materials.

The enforcement exercise was carried out in the city’s Kikuubo business district after UNBS received intelligence from members of the public and complaints from manufacturers of genuine toilet tissue brands about counterfeit products on the market.

Officers raided premises at Tesco Plastic Plaza and Justine Arcade along Kikuubo Lane, where they allegedly uncovered a packaging operation used to rebrand unlabelled toilet tissue as well-known products before selling it to unsuspecting customers.

According to Sarah Natongo, a Surveillance Officer at UNBS, the suspects are believed to have sourced unlabelled toilet tissue from unknown suppliers before wrapping it in counterfeit packaging designed to imitate established brands.

The operation first led to the arrest of Waluwu Idi, who investigators say was intercepted while delivering the suspected counterfeit products to Kooki Plaza on Kampala Road. His arrest prompted further investigations that led officers to the suspected packaging facility in Kikuubo.

During the raid, Bitwalo Christopher Kasujja, who was identified as the suspected manager of the business, denied repackaging the toilet tissue. He claimed the packaging materials found at the premises were destined for a genuine manufacturing plant in Namanve.

The two other suspects, Robert Byaruhanga and Wycliff Tumusiime, told investigators they had only been contracted to transport the goods to another shop and were unaware of any alleged counterfeit operation.

UNBS warned that the illegal repackaging of consumer products not only undermines legitimate manufacturers but also poses a potential health risk to the public. Natongo said the products are often handled in unhygienic environments, increasing the likelihood of contamination before they reach consumers.

She urged shoppers to verify that products carry the official UNBS Quality Mark before making a purchase, saying the certification helps distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones.

The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are working to establish the source of the unlabelled toilet tissue and identify other individuals believed to be involved in the counterfeit distribution network.