By Spy Uganda
A governance standoff has erupted at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) following a disputed leadership transition that has thrown the standards agency into confusion and uncertainty.
The crisis stems from a directive by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives ordering Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa to take 30 working days of leave starting October 15, 2025, to allow investigations into allegations of office misconduct and procurement irregularities. However, Kasigwa has reportedly remained in office, setting the stage for a tense institutional impasse.
A letter from Eng. James Kalibbala, Chairperson of the National Standards Council (NSC), confirmed the Minister’s directive and announced Mrs. Patricia Bageine Ejalu as Acting Executive Director and Accounting Officer during Kasigwa’s leave. The communication was copied to top government offices, including the Ministries of Trade and Finance, to ensure a transparent handover process.
But insiders say the transition has not taken effect. “There is paralysis at the top. The acting Executive Director has not been able to assume her responsibilities because the substantive officeholder has not stepped aside,” a senior UNBS official revealed, requesting anonymity.
The Ministry of Trade is said to be investigating allegations linked to multi-billion-shilling procurement contracts and alleged abuse of office within the Bureau. Whistleblower reports reportedly triggered the probe, prompting the temporary removal of the executive head to ensure impartial investigations.
Observers say the standoff highlights deeper governance weaknesses in state agencies, where ministerial directives often clash with bureaucratic resistance. “When the head of a regulatory body disregards a lawful directive, it undermines public trust in the very systems meant to enforce accountability,” said a governance analyst familiar with public sector reforms.
In his letter, Eng. Kalibbala urged Mrs. Ejalu to “immediately commence the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director,” and convened a meeting for October 20 to oversee the transition.
UNBS officials, when contacted, declined to elaborate on the matter, saying the Bureau “operates under government policy and will communicate officially when necessary.”
Meanwhile, employees at the Bureau remain anxious as the leadership confusion threatens to slow critical standardization, quality assurance, and certification activities at a time when Uganda is pushing to boost exports and industrial competitiveness.
