UNBS Boss Sent on Forced Leave as Probe Into Misconduct Allegations Begins The Ministry of Trade has directed Eng. James Kasigwa, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, to take annual leave starting October 15, 2025, as investigations into allegations of misconduct, mismanagement, and corruption commence.

The Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng James Kasigwa, has been directed to take annual leave starting October 15, 2025, to pave the way for investigations into a series of allegations leveled against him.

The allegations included insubordination, misconduct, impropriety, mismanagement, and corruption.

The directive was issued by the Ministry of Trade in a letter dated October 7, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary and addressed to Eng. Kasigwa.

The letter, which was received at the UNBS headquarters on October 13, 2025, instructs him to proceed on 30 working days of annual leave.

“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 leveled against you,” the letter reads in part.

The Ministry said the decision to send Kasigwa on leave was meant to facilitate the work of the National Standards Council as it conducts inquiries, hearings, and interviews of key witnesses and staff with information relevant to the probe.

To ensure continuity, the Ministry directed Kasigwa to hand over office to Patricia Bageine Ejalu, the Deputy Executive Director for Standards, on October 14, 2025.

Ejalu will serve as Acting Executive Director during the period of Kasigwa’s leave.

“The said Patricia Bageine Ejalu will serve as the Acting Executive Director of UNBS until your return, at the end of your leave,” the letter adds.

The handover process is to be witnessed by the Chairperson of the National Standards Council, Eng James Kalibbala, both during Kasigwa’s departure and upon his eventual return to office.

The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of public institutions over governance and integrity issues.

The Ministry noted that the move is part of efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of the national standards agency, which plays a key role in safeguarding the quality of goods and consumer protection.

UNBS has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.