Controversy has arisen over the appointment of Eng James Kwesiga Nkamwesiga as Executive Director, of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) announced last week.
UNBS announced Nkamwesiga successful candidate from the selection exercise that started in January with the advertisement of the position until then occupied, in acting capacity, by Daniel Nangalama.
The interviews featured three tests or assessments with the total results being circulated against 100 points. These were: Psychometric Assessment; Written Technical Test; and PowerPoint Presentation and Oral Interview.
While the tests had different weights on the final result, the assessment guidelines stated that none of the assessments should be considered in isolation but rather wholesomely.
“This is the reason why the overall score if it is above the cut-off, 60 percent, should be considered as a good basis for recommending a candidate for further consideration…”
The documents from the assessment show that Muyambi Fortunate Benda scored 79.9 percent, while Segawa Apollo scored 79.25, and Nkamwesiga 63.12 percent.
The results sheet also shows that Ajer Basil got 61.46 and Akankiza Samson Mpiira 60.46, while Nkwanga Joachim Charles was 46.74 percent.
A simple analysis of the the outcomes for the top three shows that in the Psychometric Assessment, Muyambi scored 86 out of 100, Nkamwesiga 78, and Segawa 77.
In written technical tests, Muyambi got 77, followed by Segawa with 76, while Nkamwesiga scored 48.
In the PowerPoint presentation and oral interview, the total points were 60. The results show that Muyambi scored 46.27, and Segawa 51, while Nkamwesiga scored 38.77.
Despite five candidates scoring higher than the cut-off point, the standards council recommended to the minister the top two.
“Please find the report of the interviews conducted for your consideration. The 9th National Standards Council hereby recommends the best two candidates as highlighted in the report,” says the statement signed by the NSC Chairman, Charles Musekuura.
It has now surfaced that Nkamwesiga came third out of the six candidates that were on the final shortlist.
On May 14, 2024, one Ahimbisibwe George wrote a complaint letter through his lawyers, Wanambugo & Company Advocates, to the Attorney General over what he referred to as an “illegal appointment” on Eng Kwesiga.
Ahimbisibwe, describing himself as a concerned citizen, contends that the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, appointed a person “who was not recommended” by the National Standards Council after the interviews.
“The appointment by the Minister is illegal and contrary to the UNBS Act as he did not act by the recommendations of the Board as required by the current law,” the lawyers say.
They ask the Attorney General to advise “and prevail over the Minister so that he can reverse his illegal appointment.”
Mustapha Mugisa, a business management consultant at Summit Consulting says the minister was in his power and could have based his decision on “other factors” that matter.
“Anyone with 60 percent or above is good, based on the assessment tools used. The appointing authority has leeway to select a qualifying candidate who meets the requirements.”
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum