WEIGHTS AND MEASURES AGENCY TARGETS ELIMINATION OF “LUMBESA” PRACTICE





By WMA – Dodoma

The Chief Executive Officer of the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), Alban Kihulla, has directed agency officials to intensify inspections of agricultural produce and take firm action against the packaging practice known as “lumbesa.”

While opening the 37th WMA Workers’ Council meeting on March 27, 2026, in Dodoma, Kihulla urged council members to relay the directive to all staff in their respective stations and ensure its full implementation.

“As we carry out these responsibilities, we must ensure fairness in trade and safeguard government revenue,” he emphasized.

He noted that between July 2025 and March 2026, the agency recorded notable achievements in executing its mandate of protecting consumers through verification of measurements, although several challenges persist.

Elaborating, Kihulla said the achievements were a result of the dedication, professionalism, and cooperation of WMA staff, whom he commended for their continued good work.

“Despite these successes, we still face various challenges, including the expanding scope of our responsibilities in protecting both service providers and consumers,” he explained.

Among the key challenges, he cited the verification of telecommunication airtime measurements, water meters, and the “lumbesa” practice. These concerns were echoed by the Deputy Secretary General of the Trade Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE), Rugemalira Rutatina, who attended the meeting and noted that complaints have been raised by citizens in these areas, requiring prompt action.

Kihulla further stressed that senior leaders in the ministry, including the Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Judith Kapinga, have directed WMA to address the “lumbesa” packaging practice in order to protect farmers.

In another development, the CEO urged all WMA staff to continue working diligently, with integrity and patriotism, noting that their role is crucial in protecting citizens’ rights, promoting fair competition in trade, and increasing government revenue.

“I urge you to emphasize to all staff in your stations the importance of hard work, integrity, and professionalism, and above all, to avoid corrupt practices,” he added.

On his part, the Chairperson of the TUGHE WMA Branch, Isaac Birahi, thanked the agency’s leadership for maintaining a conducive working environment and called for its continued improvement.

Meanwhile, the Head of Policy and Planning Unit, Nelson Ruturagala, presented a report on the implementation of the agency’s plan and budget from July 2025 to March 16, 2026, stating that WMA had achieved an average performance rate of over 91.62 percent.

He attributed this performance to effective management of measurements, inspections, verification of imported pre-packaged goods, and revenue collection from services rendered.

During the 37th session, council members also had the opportunity to deliberate on the Work Plan and Budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

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