KAMPALA, UGANDA – Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa has ordered an investigation into Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa over grave misconduct and maladministration allegations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The directive was issued in a letter dated September 3rd, 2025. Signed by the Minister, it orders the National Standards Council to lead the probe and emphasizes that the claims, if proven, pose a direct threat to public safety, economic security, and Uganda’s international credibility.
The Minister emphasized that the integrity and effective operation of the standards bureau are critically important, calling them paramount to national consumer protection and trade.
Eng. Kasigwa faces severe allegations of sabotaging critical government programs, including the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVOC) programme and a digital tax project, disrupting trade and risking significant financial loss.
A major public safety concern involves his alleged order to halt inspections of used motor vehicles, a move that could allow dangerous vehicles into the country.
He is also accused of neglecting the oversight of weighing equipment across Uganda, resulting in a year-long stoppage of verifications that caused daily government revenue losses and enabled traders to cheat consumers with unverified scales.
Regarding financial mismanagement, Eng. Kasigwa is accused of violating public financial management laws by diverting operational funds to unnecessary budgetary lines, opening unauthorized bank accounts, and authorizing questionable expenditures.
These include allegedly using taxpayer money to finance foreign travel for Members of Parliament a direct violation of government policy and authorizing a questionable $30,000 payment. These actions reportedly cost the government billions of shillings.
Further allegations include insubordination, the firing of honest staff who refused to participate in corruption, and questions over the fairness of his own appointment.
Eng. James Kasigwa has been summoned to a special meeting of the National Standards Council to provide a written explanation for the claims.
The investigations represents a significant move by the government to ensure its agencies operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
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