The current court case is the latest chapter in a long-running institutional and legal battle over the leadership of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
The controversial appointment – May 2024
Eng. James Kasigwa (then Nkamwesiga) was appointed as UNBS Executive Director by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa. The appointment immediately sparked controversy because Kasigwa had reportedly ranked third in the selection process, with a lower score than the two candidates initially recommended by the National Standards Council (NSC).
Initial Legal Challenges – Mid 2024 to Feb 2025
One of the top-ranking candidates, Muyambi Fortunate Benda, filed a Judicial Review application challenging the Minister’s decision, arguing it was irrational and procedurally improper.
Court Upholds Kasigwa’s Appointment – 2025
The High Court dismissed the application. The Judge ruled that the Minister acted within his legal bounds, having rejected the NSC’s recommendations on grounds that the initially recommended candidates lacked the minimum qualifications and experience required for the job. This ruling secured Kasigwa’s position—temporarily.
Minister Orders Formal Probe
Persistent reports of financial impropriety, misconduct, maladministration, and insubordination against Kasigwa prompted Minister Mwebesa to direct the newly inaugurated 10th National Standards Council to commence an urgent, formal investigation. This marked the shift from a ‘controversial appointment’ issue to a ‘governance and corruption’ issue.
The Forced Leave Directive
To ensure an “unfettered investigation,” the Ministry of Trade issued a letter directing Eng. Kasigwa to take 30 working days of forced annual leave, effective October 15, 2025. He was instructed to hand over to the Deputy Executive Director for Standards, Ms. Patricia Bageine Ejalu.
Kasigwa Drags Minister to Court
Kasigwa petitioned the High Court for a temporary injunction. He argued that the Minister had no power to suspend or force him on leave under the UNBS Act and that the Minister could not initiate a probe while also holding the power to act on its findings (violating natural justice). The court granted an adjournment to November 4 to verify a letter claiming the Minister had rescinded his directives
