IGG tasked with investigating Nkamwesiga’s UNBS appointment

Summary:

• The appointment of Uganda’s new UNBS executive director, Eng James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa, is under scrutiny. A petition filed with the Inspector General of Government alleges he was hand-picked, bypassing better-performing candidates. The IGG has been asked to investigate.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – The appointment of Eng James Nkamwesiga Kasigwa as the new executive director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has sparked controversy, leading to a petition filed with the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate the matter.

Represented by Wanambugo & Co. Advocates, Mr. George Ahimbisibwe’s legal team contends that Kasigwa’s appointment was not in line with proper procedure. They argue that he was hand-picked by the Trade Minister, bypassing candidates who performed better in interviews conducted by the National Standards Council.

According to the petition, six candidates were initially shortlisted for the position, and after interviews, the Council recommended the top two candidates to the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. However, the Minister allegedly disregarded this recommendation and appointed Kasigwa instead.

The lawyers say that this appointment violates the UNBS Act and call upon the IGG to intervene and investigate the legality of the decision.

Ms. Ali Munira, spokesperson for the ombudsman, confirmed the receipt of the petition, which was stamped as received on May 14.

Kasigwa assumed his role as executive director on Monday, succeeding Dr. Livingstone Ebiru, who was removed from office amidst corruption allegations. Dr. Ebiru faced scrutiny after admitting to offering a bribe of Shs100m to the UNBS board, only to retract his statement later, citing anger as the reason for his initial confession.