The Minster of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa has appointed Eng. James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa as the 5th Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) effective 13th May, 2024.
Eng. James N. Kasigwa replaces David Livingstone Ebiru who served from 2021 to 2023.
Kasigwa is an electrical engineer with an illustrious career, having worked with multinational corporations, private and public sectors, spanning over two decades in leadership and strategic management of expert teams in Science, Technology, Innovation, Standards and the Infrastructure Industry.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and a Master’s of Science degree in Telecommunication from London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from ESAMI.
Prior to this appointment, Eng. Kasigwa has been serving as the Director Science, Technology, Innovation Regulation & Biosafety at the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Uganda. He also served as the Commissioner ICT Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
The National Standards Council, Management and Staff of UNBS congratulate and welcome Eng. James N. Kasigwa as its 5th Executive Director and looks forward to his dedicated service and stewardship of the UNBS’ Strategic Agenda during his term in Office.
Eng. Kasigwa’s appointment has left feathers ruffling after a whistleblower petitioned both the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the Attorney General protesting the appointment.
George Ahimbisibwe through his lawyers, Wanambugo and Co. Advocates in two separate letters contend that Kasigwa’s appointment by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperative, Francis Mwebesa is illegal and contrary to the UNBS Act as he did not act in accordance with the recommendations of the Board as required by the law.
According to the whistleblower, 6 candidates were shortlisted for the interviews where the National Standards Council recommended to the minister the best two candidates for the appointment of which Eng. Kasigwa was not among those recommended.
“Despite the recommendations of the Board, the minister has gone ahead and instead appointed a candidate who was not recommended…the appointment by the minister is illegal and contrary to the UNBS Act,” the petition reads.
UNBS is by law mandated to develop, promote and enforce standards in protection of public health and safety, and the environment against dangerous substandard products as well as ensuring fair trade.
