PRESS RELEASE
KAMPALA, UGANDA — June 15, 2026 — The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in collaboration with the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Secretariat, has officially announced the postponement of the 32nd ARSO General Assembly and its related events. Originally scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 19, 2026, the landmark gathering has been rescheduled to August 24–28, 2026.
Prioritizing Delegate Safety Amid Regional Outbreak
The responsible decision to defer the assembly was taken collectively by UNBS and ARSO leadership following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With the health, safety, and well-being of international delegates standing as the foremost priority, organizers determined that shifting the timeline was the most protective and risk-aware course of action.
The venue remains unchanged; the event will be hosted at the premier Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda. Organizers are fully confident that the new August 2026 timeline will ensure full, safe, and highly productive participation for Africa’s standards and quality infrastructure community.
Actionable Guidance for Registered Delegates
To facilitate a smooth logistical transition, the UNBS and ARSO Secretariats have issued the following practical directives for all registered attendees:
- Event Registration – All existing delegate registrations remain fully valid for the rescheduled August dates. Delegates do not need to re-register and will receive an updated event information pack from the UNBS Secretariat shortly.
- Travel & Accommodation Bookings – Delegates who secured flights or hotel accommodations for the original June dates are strongly urged to contact their respective airlines, hotels, or travel providers immediately to process cancellations or rebook for August. Attendees are advised to review the terms and conditions of their existing itineraries.
- Visa Support Letters – If you require an updated visa support letter reflecting the new August timelines, please contact the UNBS Conference Secretariat directly at ronald.ssekabira@unbs.go.ug, copying arso@unbs.go.ug.
- Existing Visas – Any Ugandan visas already processed using the initial June invitation letters must be reviewed with the respective issuing embassy or the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. UNBS stands ready to provide fresh support letters for new visa applications where necessary.
- Event Programme – The full schedule of high-profile events—including the 74th ARSO Council, 17th ARSO Champions Meeting, High-Level Policy Forum, Made in Africa Expo, Gala Dinner, and Industrial Visits—will be finalized and circulated by the end of July 2026.
A Continued Commitment to African Standardization
UNBS and the ARSO Secretariat express their profound and sincere regrets for any disruption or scheduling inconveniences this sudden postponement has caused. Leadership extends its deepest gratitude to delegates, partners, and stakeholders for their exceptional patience and understanding during this public health transition.
Organizers remain unyieldingly committed to delivering an impactful, seamlessly organized, and—above all—safe environment to advance Africa’s standardization agenda.
Media & Delegate Support Contact Channels
For logistical support, urgency updates, or registration confirmations, please reach out via the following official helplines:
- UNBS Conference Secretariat Email: arso@unbs.go.ug
- ARSO Central Secretariat Email:
- Official Event Portal: https://arso.unbs.go.ug & https://generalassembly.arso-oran.org
- Telephone Helplines: +256 417 333250 | +256 417 333251 | +256 417 333252