By Ahura Mujuni Mark

Uganda National Bureau of Standards UNBS laments that though there are only  30 brands of bottled water  certified by the bureau, there are over 48 brands on the market meaning that at least 18 brands  are fake .

This has been revealed  by the UNBS executive director, Ben Manyindo who says that the bureau is receiving a lot of complaints from the public on the quality of bottled water.

Mayindo says that the phenomenon has been brought about by the increased demand of safe bottled water.He notes that  the western region has been the most affected.

He advises traders to check  for the right water  brands from the UNBS online database to avoid purchasing fake brands.

Meanwhile the bureau warns that any person who will be caught bottling water illegally will prosecuted.

In may last year ,the ministry of Trade said that it is on a process of  formulating  a policy to regulate the water bottling  industry.

Minister Amelia Kyambadde noted that the  absence of the Bottled Water Policy, has allowed unscrupulous individuals to penetrate the market with substandard water products, risking the health of unsuspecting consumers.