Eng. James Kalibbala to lead 10th UNBS board; promises a new era for standards and quality in Uganda
As Uganda continues to strive for excellence, the 10th NSC is poised to play a critical role in shaping the country's future and promoting a culture of quality and excellence.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has inaugurated its 10th National Standards Council (NSC), marking a new chapter in the country’s pursuit of excellence in standards and quality. The new board, appointed by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, is chaired by Eng. James Kalibbala, a seasoned expert in the field.
The NSC, which serves as the Board of Directors of UNBS, is committed to working tirelessly to ensure the organization continues to thrive. The board comprises a diverse group of experts, including Ainebyona Denis, Prof. Mnason Tweheyo, Eng. James Kasigwa, Maj. Dr. Atwoki John Mathais Rusoke Tagasgwire, Stella Nyapendi Chombo, Hawa Nsubuga Lule, and John Patrick Kabayo, who will serve as Vice Chairperson.
In his remarks, Eng. Kalibbala expressed gratitude to the trade ministry for the appointment and pledged to build on the legacy of the former NSC. He emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment, empowering all stakeholders, and achieving collective goals to ensure UNBS continues to flourish. The new board chair also committed to restoring the positive reputation of UNBS and working hard to promote excellence in standards and quality.
Minister Mwebesa urged the new board to prioritize supporting the business community, rather than policing them. He emphasized the need for UNBS to focus on handholding businesses, rather than harassing them, and to prioritize key emerging areas such as strengthening the national quality infrastructure framework. The Minister also cautioned against the pitfalls of policing, which he blamed for corruption, and instead encouraged UNBS to support value addition in line with government programs such as the Parish Development Model and the National Development Plan IV.
State Minister Gen. Wilson Mbadi echoed the Minister’s sentiments, urging the new NSC to build a strong quality infrastructure to support trade and government programs like the Parish Development Model. He emphasized the critical role UNBS plays in promoting export promotion, import substitution, and industrialization through standardization. Gen. Mbadi also stressed the importance of prioritizing the quality of locally manufactured goods to protect public health and safety.
The inauguration of the 10th NSC marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards excellence in standards and quality. With a new board at the helm, UNBS is poised to play an even more critical role in promoting economic growth, trade, and industrialization. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, the importance of standards and quality cannot be overstated. The new board, led by Eng. Kalibbala, is well-positioned to drive this agenda forward and ensure that Uganda remains competitive in the regional and global markets.
In the coming months and years, the new NSC will be expected to deliver on its mandate, working closely with stakeholders to promote excellence in standards and quality. With a focus on collaboration, empowerment, and collective goal-achieving, the board is well-placed to drive positive change and promote economic growth. As Uganda continues to strive for excellence, the 10th NSC is poised to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future and promoting a culture of quality and excellence.
