By Sekaggya Seka Moses
A power struggle has erupted at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) as Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa refuses to step aside despite a directive from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to take a 30-working-day leave.
The leave is intended to facilitate investigations into alleged irregularities in multi-billion-shilling procurement contracts and misconduct within the Bureau.
According to a letter dated October 15, 2025, signed by Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairperson of the National Standards Council (NSC), Kasigwa was directed to proceed on leave effective immediately, and Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu was appointed Acting Executive Director and Accounting Officer of the Bureau.
However, sources within UNBS claim that 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 standoff has unsettled staff at the Bureau, with fears that the leadership impasse could disrupt ongoing standardization and certification programs.
The Ministry of Trade reportedly received complaints from whistleblowers pointing to questionable award processes, prompting the Minister’s intervention.
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.”
The situation has taken a new turn after Richard Gafabusa, Bwamba County MP, petitioned Parliament to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and insubordination levelled against Kasigwa.
Gafabusa noted that the suspension came shortly after Kasigwa’s attainment of a seat at a global standards body, raising questions about the timing of the Minister’s action.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Attorney General to study the circumstances surrounding Kasigwa’s suspension and advise on the way forward.
Will Kasigwa ultimately step aside and allow the investigations to proceed, or will he continue to assert his authority? The outcome remains to be seen.
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