The second phase of the COMCEC Project Funding initiative (2024-SMIIC-344), titled “Enhancing the Capacity of Metrology Laboratories for Improved Quality Infrastructure,” was successfully held from 9–11 September 2025 in Kampala, Uganda. The program aimed to strengthen the capacities of the National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) of Uganda and Sudan by addressing priority gaps in their laboratory infrastructure and technical expertise.

The opening ceremony featured Mr. James N. KASIGWA, Executive Director of the UNBS, who extended a warm welcome to all participants and emphasized Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its quality infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth and regional integration. He underscored the significance of metrology in ensuring accurate and reliable measurements that directly impact sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and trade.

Following the welcome address, Mr. İhsan ÖVÜT, Secretary General of the SMIIC, delivered the opening remarks. In his speech, he highlighted the broader vision of SMIIC in fostering collaboration among member states to build stronger and more harmonized quality systems. Mr. Övüt stressed that capacity building was central to the long-term development of metrology laboratories, as it not only improves technical expertise but also ensures the transfer of knowledge to future generations of scientists and professionals.

Following the opening ceremony, a total of 12 experts —6 from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and 6 from the Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO)— participated in the training across six specialized sub-laboratories, namely:
Physics Group: Time-Frequency & Wavelength, Medical Metrology
Mechanics Group: Force Laboratory, Mass Laboratory
Chemistry Group: Organic Chemistry, Bioanalysis

The sessions which were delivered by six experts from TÜBİTAK UME of Türkiye enabled participants to deepen their technical skills, strengthen laboratory practices, and align their work with international metrology standards. The training marked a significant step forward in advancing regional cooperation, building sustainable capacity in metrology, and ensuring that both Uganda and Sudan are better positioned to meet international requirements for scientific measurement, trade facilitation, and consumer protection.

The sessions concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, where Mr. İhsan Övüt and Mr. James N. Kasigwa awarded certificates of participation to all the experts from Uganda and Sudan.