CORRUPTION AT UNBS ! Standards Body ED Kasigwa sent on forced leave

The Minister of Trade Industry and Cooperatives Hon Francis Mwebesa has directed the Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng James Kasigwa to take annual leave effective 15th October to pave way for Investigations of alleged office mismanagement.

According to a letter dated October 7th 2025, signed by Minister Mwebesa and addressed to Eng Kasigwa which this Online Publication has seen, the embattled Executive Director was asked to hand over office to the Deputy Executive Director and proceed for annual 30 working days starting today October 15th.

Hon Mwebesa letter comes after he got recommendation from the National Standards Council that recently assessed the validity, authenticity and significance of various allegations leveled against Eng Kasigwa regarding insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, corruption and mismanagement.

Minister Mwebesa pointed out that in order to expedite and facilitate the inquiries by the National Standards Council, the move will help the key witnesses and personnel to get pertinent information regarding areas where the allegations were made.

“I hereby direct and authorize you to take annual leave of 30 working days effective 15th October 2025. You will handover to Deputy Executive Director Standards Mrs Patricia Bageine Ejalu on Tuesday 14th 2025” Minister Mwebesa wrote.

According to the letter, Mrs Ejalu will serve in Acting position during the time Eng Kasigwa shall be on leave and the Chairman of National Standards Council Eng James Kalibala was asked to Preside over the handover ceremony and later takeover when he returns.

It’s reported that Eng Kasigwa has already interacted with the National Standards Council members to listen to a response of the allegations raised, but the council is still waiting for a written report over the matter.

“I have urged the council to ensure that their assignment on the inquiry regarding the allegations against you is fully executed and a report on their findings is submitted within 2 weeks from the date of the letter,” Minister Mwebesa letter reads in parts.

The Minister indicated that, a special meeting shall he convened in his office where the National Standards Council will present the findings and recommendations from which he will make his subsequent decisions on the allegations and this will be communicated accordingly.

This development at National Bureau of Standards comes at a time when reports of insubordination and corruption against Eng Kasigwa who is barely a year in office have dominated the investigation at the institution mandated to protect public health and safety and the environment by developing, promoting, and enforcing national standards for both locally manufactured and imported products.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards also works to ensure fair trade, promote precision in industry and support national development and economic growth.