Kasigwa succeeded Dr. David Livingstone Ebiru, who held the position from May 2021 to July 2023.
The office of the Attorney General has said that Eng James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa was irregularly appointed as the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Executive Director.
In a letter dated June 19, 2024, to Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa, Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi said although the former has the powers to appoint UNBS ED as the law stipulates, he does so on recommendation from the Board.
Kafuuzi also said Kasigwa was not the best candidate after the interviews for the position were conducted.
“On May 23, 2024, this office received a letter of reference IND/90/256/01, dated May 23, 2024, from your office informing us that you appointed Eng. James N. Kasigwa to the position of Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, with effect from May 13, 2024,” the letter reads in part.
“We have studied the report of the interview and note that the 09th National Standards Council recommended to you the best two candidates as highlighted in the report. Eng. James N. Kasigwa was the third candidate, according to the interview report. This means that there is no recommendation of James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa to the Minister, because the recommendation was in regard to the best two candidates,” Kafuuzi’s letter adds.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act states that the appointment of the Executive Director by the Minister is done on the recommendation of the Board.
“It is our considered view that the replacement of Section 11 of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act, Cap. 327, in the 2013 Amendment of the Act must have been intended to cure a given mischief. As a result, the recommendation of the Board is vital in the process of the appointment of the Executive Director,” Kafuuzi’s letter reads.
“It is our considered view that any appointment that does not take into consideration the provisions of the law as amended is void and cannot stand,” it adds.
Mwebesa, appointed Eng. James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa as the new UNBS Executive Director effective May 13, 2024.
Kasigwa succeeded Dr. David Livingstone Ebiru, who held the position from May 2021 to July 2023.
However, Kasigwa’s appointment faced significant opposition from one George Ahimbisibwe, who claimed that the Trade Minister violated the UNBS Act during the appointment process.
Ahimbisibwe, through his lawyers, Wanambugo and Co. Advocates, petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and Attorney General to investigate and annul Kasigwa’s appointment.
