The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, has directed the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Kasigwa, to proceed on annual leave to allow investigations into allegations of misconduct, mismanagement, and corruption.
In a letter dated 7th October 2025, addressed to Eng. Kasigwa, the Minister said the decision was aimed at facilitating the work of the National Standards Council, which has been tasked with assessing the validity and authenticity of the allegations against the UNBS head.
“To expedite and facilitate the work of the council, including conducting enquiries, hearings and interviews of key witnesses and personnel with information pertinent to the allegations, I hereby direct and authorise you to take your annual leave of 30 working days effective 15th October 2025,” the letter reads in part.
During his leave, Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu, the Deputy Executive Director in charge of Standards, will serve as Acting Executive Director of UNBS. The handover of office is expected to take place on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, under the supervision of the Council Chairperson, Eng. James Kalibbala.
Minister Mwebesa instructed the National Standards Council to complete its inquiry within two weeks, emphasizing that their report and recommendations will guide his final decision on the matter.
“I have urged the Council to ensure that their assignment regarding the allegations against you is fully executed and that a report on their findings is submitted within two weeks,” Mwebesa stated.
The allegations against Eng. Kasigwa reportedly involve insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement, and corruption.
A special meeting will later be convened in the Minister’s office for the Council to present its findings before a final decision is communicated.
Neither Eng. Kasigwa nor UNBS has issued an official response to the development by press time.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, has directed the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Kasigwa, to proceed on annual leave to allow investigations into allegations of misconduct, mismanagement, and corruption.
In a letter dated 7th October 2025, addressed to Eng. Kasigwa, the Minister said the decision was aimed at facilitating the work of the National Standards Council, which has been tasked with assessing the validity and authenticity of the allegations against the UNBS head.
“To expedite and facilitate the work of the council, including conducting enquiries, hearings and interviews of key witnesses and personnel with information pertinent to the allegations, I hereby direct and authorise you to take your annual leave of 30 working days effective 15th October 2025,” the letter reads in part.
During his leave, Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu, the Deputy Executive Director in charge of Standards, will serve as Acting Executive Director of UNBS. The handover of office is expected to take place on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, under the supervision of the Council Chairperson, Eng. James Kalibbala.
Minister Mwebesa instructed the National Standards Council to complete its inquiry within two weeks, emphasizing that their report and recommendations will guide his final decision on the matter.
“I have urged the Council to ensure that their assignment regarding the allegations against you is fully executed and that a report on their findings is submitted within two weeks,” Mwebesa stated.
The allegations against Eng. Kasigwa reportedly involve insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement, and corruption.
A special meeting will later be convened in the Minister’s office for the Council to present its findings before a final decision is communicated.
Neither Eng. Kasigwa nor UNBS has issued an official response to the development by press time.