UNBS Executive Director Eng. Kasigwa elected as ISO council member

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The Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Kasigwa has been elected as a Council member of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for the period 2026 to 2028.

The election exercise that saw Uganda prevail over Costa Rica was held during the ISO General Assembly that took place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Uganda was formally nominated by Rwanda, Tanzania, the Republic of Korea (South) and South Africa and endorsed as the sole candidate representing the African region during the 32nd African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) General Assembly held in June 2025. 

While giving his maiden speech as a new ISO Council member, Eng. Kasigwa extended gratitude to the Government of Uganda and pledged to ably represent and amplify the voice of developing countries in the ISO Council.  

He explained that Uganda's unique perspective, derived from its position as a developing nation with a rapidly evolving and growing economy, will enrich the Council's policy and strategic deliberations and enhance the global relevance of ISO standards.

Currently, developing countries constitute up to 75% of the organisation and are dismally participating in the ISO policy and technical work, which Eng. Kasigwa says jeopardises their global relevance.

"I will ensure that we leverage our knowledge and experience in standardisation to advocate for enhanced participation of members in the technical and policy work of ISO. As a Council member, my focus will be on enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in the ISO system through increased engagement of developing economies, women and the youth," he noted.

He further indicated that the rapid digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to champion the uptake of digitalisation initiatives among members to bridge the existing gap between developed and developing economies. 

Uganda’s bid for membership in the ISO Council was premised on the conviction that standards are a silent yet critical force for sustainable Socio-economic transformation and empowerment that developing economies can leverage for growth and competitiveness in a globalised world. 

Eng. Kasigwa also pledged to use his vast work experience and expertise to champion the use of standards as enablers of enterprise, market access and economic development.

Kasigwa is an electrical engineer with vast work experience in the telecom industry and public policy. He previously worked closely with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as Uganda's focal point person for a decade.

As a member of the ISO Council, Uganda will contribute to promoting the relevance and impact of ISO standards in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and public health.

ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that brings global experts together to agree on standards that facilitate trade and cooperation between people and companies all over the world since 1946.

Currently, up to 174 national standards bodies are part of the ISO network.