KAMPALA. The controversy surrounding the office of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)executive director has taken yet another twist with Trade Minister Mr Francis Mwebesa reinstating the embattled Eng. James Kasigwa .
Eng. Kasigwa had earlier refused to hand over office to allow investigations into his alleged insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement as directed by the minister.
The drama took another turn when Eng. Kasigwa unexpectedly appeared at a Ministry of Trade meeting last Thursday, one he was reportedly not expected to attend. His presence was said to have raised eyebrows among industry stakeholders and ministry officials.
Days later, in a letter dated October 23, Mr Mwebesa revised his earlier directive, stating that the allegations against Mr Kasigwa did not warrant a formal investigation by the National Standards Council and should instead be handled administratively “to preserve the integrity of the institution.”
Following this reversal, Mr Kasigwa fired a memo to the staff, asserting that he remained in charge: “I am in office, and it’s business as usual,” he wrote. But Mr Kasigwa, who this publication sought out for a comment, only said: “I am in a meeting and refer you to the official letters for more information.”
In an internal memo to staff last Friday, Eng. Kasigwa acknowledged the tough times facing the Bureau and stated that Minister Mwebesa had guided on the issue of his “forced leave” and he was back in office, and it is business as usual.
“I understand this situation has caused uncertainty, concern, and frustration among staff,” he wrote.
UNBS is a government agency mandated to oversee the quality and safety of goods on the Ugandan market.
Just less than two weeks ago, the UNBS Council initiated an investigation into the Trade Minister’s directive. But the Council Chairman, Mr James Kalibala, on Monday confirmed that the inquiry into alleged corruption, insubordination, and causing financial loss to the government has since been halted following a reversal of the minister’s decision.
“We have stopped the investigation and will abide by the minister’s reversal of the directive,” he said, Mr Kalibala said the three-month-old board is now focused on restoring calm and credibility.
“We pledge to restore UNBS’ positive corporate image and reputation,” he said.
“Going forward, we will emphasise partnerships and strengthen supervision to prevent similar issues in the future.”
He blamed gaps in oversight between the previous and current boards for the instability.
“We shall build on the achievements of past boards and strengthen partnerships for the Bureau to thrive,” he added.
Mr Kalibala said the Council remains committed to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, promoting standards, and safeguarding public health and safety.
In a letter written to Mr Kasigwa, titled: Taking your annual leave starting 15th October, 2025, authored by Mr Mwebesa on October 07, 2025 authorized the UNBS executive director to step aside until the conclusion of the one-month investigation.
“I write with reference to the task which I recently assigned to the National Standards Council, in which I directed the council to assess the validity, authenticity and significance of the various allegations levelled against you regarding insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement and corruption.
“To expedite and facilitate the work of the council in this regard, including conducting inquiries, hearings and interviews of key witnesses and personnel with information pertinent to the areas in which allegations against you were made, I hereby direct and authorise you to take your annual leave, of 30 working days, effective 15th October 2025,” reads the letter, a copy of which this publication obtained .
Eng .Kasigwa has been the executive director of UNBS since May 13, 2024.