The High Court Civil Division has dismissed a judicial review application challenging the appointment of James Kasigwa as the Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). The case, Muyambi Fortunate Benda Vs Attorney General & 3 others, sought to contest the decision made by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
In its ruling, the court found that the minister had acted within legal bounds by rejecting the UNBS Council’s initial recommendations. The judgment emphasized that the minister had the discretion to assess and decline recommendations that failed to meet the minimum qualifications and experience required for the role.
The court noted that the minister had conducted a thorough review of the Council’s report and exercised due diligence before appointing Kasigwa, affirming that the decision was both justified and lawful.
Legal representatives for UNBS, including Patience Akampurira, Elison Karuhanga, Augustine Obilil Idoot, and Rugaya Julius Caeser, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a significant victory in upholding the integrity of public appointments.
With the court’s decision, Kasigwa’s leadership at UNBS remains uncontested, allowing him to continue steering the institution’s regulatory mandate without further legal hurdles.
