The controversy surrounding the leadership of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has taken a dramatic twist after the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, rescinded his earlier directive ordering investigations into Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa over alleged misconduct and mismanagement of procurement processes.
In a letter dated 23rd October 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the National Standards Council (NSC), Minister Mwebesa directed that no investigation should proceed against Kasigwa and that his earlier instructions, contained in letter Ref. TRD/141/267 dated 7th October 2025, be nullified.
The latest communication effectively cancels Kasigwa’s forced leave and reinstates him fully as the Executive Director and Accounting Officer of UNBS.
“Having studied the additional information and the situation surrounding the allegations raised, I have decided that the allegations do not warrant an investigation by the National Standards Council and an immediate replacement of the Executive Director,” the Minister’s letter reads in part.
Mwebesa added that an “administrative approach” will instead be handled internally by the Ministry “to preserve the integrity of the institution.”
The reversal comes just days after the NSC had officially appointed Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu as Acting Executive Director through a letter dated 15th October 2025, instructing her to take over from Kasigwa during his 30-day leave.
However, insiders at UNBS said Kasigwa never vacated office, citing irregularities in the minister’s earlier directive a stance that now appears vindicated following the new ministerial position.
The developments have sparked mixed reactions within the standards agency and the wider trade sector. Some staff see the reversal as political shielding of top management, while others argue that it restores order and avoids institutional paralysis.
The UNBS has in recent months faced scrutiny over procurement controversies and allegations of maladministration, prompting public calls for transparency in its leadership.
With the Minister’s latest directive, Eng. Kasigwa retains his position, and the planned investigation is officially off the table, signaling the end at least for now of a saga that had thrown the Bureau into uncertainty.