KAMPALA. The controversy surrounding the office of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)executive director has taken a new twist with the embattled office bearer Eng. James Kasigwa refusing to hand over office to allow investigations into his alleged insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement,
While inaugurating the newly constituted National Sugar Council on Thursday Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperative, Mr Francis Mwebesa was shocked to discover that his directive was never implemented.
The issue had nothing to do with the inaugurated sugar council leadership and members, but the conspicuous presence Eng. Kasigwa, who was last week ordered to step aside to allow unfettered investigations into several claims levelled against him.
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 has seen.
Mr Kasigwa sauntered into the inauguration minutes before the proceedings, quietly assuming his seat, first in the back before settling on the round table in the Ministry of Trade boardroom.
It wasn’t apparently clear whether the Minister expected Mr Kasigwa to turn up or not, but what was evident was the uneasiness and some sort of tension when the standards body boss without mincing words and fear of contradiction, introduced himself as the executive director of UNBS.
Throughout the proceedings which lasted slightly more than an hour, Mr Mwebesa uncharacteristically didn’t make any mention of the UNBS boss nor did he maintain eye contact with him.
When asked after the inauguration ceremony what became of the directive, he issued authorizing Eng Kasigwa to step aside, Minister Mwebesa looked visibly uncomfortable to explain himself. He murmured a few words while sharply staring as if to say “what more do you want me to do?” before gathering himself, humorously retorting, “can we concentrate on the sugar issues.”
When pressed further, he said: “Let’s talk about sugar and the inauguration board.”
On his part Eng. Kasigwa didn’t appear bothered, telling this reporter after the inauguration that he had actually “never left” when asked if he was back in office.
Eng .Kasigwa has been the executive director of UNBS since May 13, 2024.