Confusion has gripped the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) after its Executive Director, Eng. James Kasigwa, reportedly refused to step aside despite being directed to take leave to pave way for investigations into alleged misuse of office.
A letter dated 15th October 2025, signed by Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairperson of the National Standards Council (NSC), and copied to several key government offices, including the Ministries of Trade and Finance, confirms that the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives directed Kasigwa to proceed on 30 working days’ leave effective October 15.
In the same communication, Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu was appointed Acting Executive Director and Accounting Officer of the Bureau during the period of Kasigwa’s absence.
However, sources inside the standards body say Kasigwa has declined to vacate office, continuing to discharge executive functions despite the Minister’s explicit directive. “He has not handed over the office or official instruments as instructed. The acting Executive Director cannot assume her duties because the substantive officer has refused to move,” a senior staff member who preferred anonymity said.
The forced leave, according to officials at the Ministry of Trade, is intended to facilitate a probe into alleged irregularities in multi-billion-shilling procurement contracts and misconduct within the Bureau. The Ministry reportedly received complaints from whistleblowers pointing to questionable award processes.
Eng. Kalibbala’s letter emphasized the need for Mrs. Ejalu to “commence performance of the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director, including the role of Accounting Officer, with immediate effect,” and scheduled a meeting for October 20 to ensure smooth implementation of the Minister’s instruction.
When contacted for comment, a UNBS officials declined to discuss the matter, saying only that “the Bureau operates under clear government guidance and will communicate officially when appropriate.”
The standoff has reportedly unsettled staff at the Bureau, with fears that the leadership impasse could disrupt ongoing standardization and certification programs.