The Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa, has petitioned the High Court seeking to halt an investigation ordered against him by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, over alleged corruption, insubordination, misconduct, and abuse of office.
In a directive dated September 30, 2025, Minister Mwebesa instructed the UNBS Board chairperson to investigate Kasigwa following a series of allegations. A subsequent order issued on October 7 required Kasigwa to proceed on one month’s forced leave effective October 15, pending the outcome of a judicial review case he had already filed challenging the directives.
Through his lawyers, Ebert Byenkya, Kasigwa is seeking a temporary injunction restraining the minister and his agents from implementing the directives. In his affidavit, he argues that the orders were unlawful, irrational, and procedurally improper, claiming they were issued outside the framework of the UNBS Act.
Kasigwa contends that the minister’s actions violate the rules of natural justice, since Mwebesa who initiated the probe would also be the final decision-maker. “This makes the honourable minister an accuser, prosecutor, and judge in his own cause,” he stated.
He further questions the independence of the National Standards Council, which was tasked to conduct the probe, saying its members were appointed by the same minister and can be dismissed by him. Kasigwa also challenges the legality of his forced leave, arguing that only the National Standards Council has the power to interdict a director under the UNBS Act.
The embattled UNBS chief insists that the allegations against him including corruption and financial impropriety are criminal in nature and should have been referred to independent agencies such as the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) or the Auditor General.
The case came up on Monday before Justice Joyce Kavuma of the High Court’s Civil Division. Peter Masaba, representing the Attorney General, told court he had seen a letter suggesting the minister had rescinded his directives and sought time to verify its authenticity. The hearing was adjourned to November 4, 2025.
Kasigwa’s appointment to the UNBS top job last year was controversial, with Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi questioning his selection after he reportedly ranked third in interviews. His predecessor, David Livingstone Ebiru, was similarly sent on forced leave in 2023 over misconduct allegations.