Events organisers oppose verification process by standards body

The organisers will undergo the US 929:2011 standards developed in 2011 which focus on the quality of materials and equipment used at events and providing a safe environment for participants and venues.

According to UNBS Deputy Executive Director John Paul Musimami, the standards have been neglected which has put lives at risk with substandard sanitation and disregard of space at venues. He said that the police will help them enforce the standards.

“Going forward, we are going to work with the police to ensure that only certified event organizers are involved in the business. We are going to harmonize our requirements with the granting of permission to these events by the police,” he said.

The authorisation certificate will cost Shs1.5 million and expire every after three years. It will be subject to annual review, according to Safina Namugga, the head of services and business management standards development at UNBS, and will be revoked immediately in case of a breach.

The price attracted complaints from a section of event organizers saying they cannot afford it. They also argued that some of the standards will increase the cost of organising events, and asked for a grace period to prepare.

Speaking on behalf of the police, Ashraf Chemonges, the commander of the alert squad in the Uganda Police Force, stated that the police are mandated to ensure the safety of the public, and enforcing these standards is their duty.

While addressing the matter, he said he would report the issue of high charges by security services to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that fees are standardized in accordance with the law.

He explained that there is a safari day allowance of 11,000 Ugandan Shillings as per public service standing orders, as well as a night allowance based on rank.

“Additionally, there is money designated by public service for events outside of Kampala,” he said.