Ex-UNBS boss Kahuma challenges his dismissal

By Andante Okanya

The sacked executive director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Dr. Terry Kahuma has petitioned the High Court in Kampala and asked to be reinstated, claiming he was unlawfully dismissed.

In the suit filed on Tuesday against UNBS, Kahuma alleges that his dismissal by the Tourism, Trade and Cooperatives minister, Amelia Kyambadde was based on a dubious report, which has damaged his reputation.

Through his lawyers Muwema and Mugerwa Advocates, Kahuma alleges that the commission of inquiry set up by Kyambadde was a well-orchestrated move to get rid of him from the stewardship of UNBS.

"The conduct of the defendant (UNBS) was wholly unlawful, high-handed, callous and oppressive for which the plaintiff [Kahuma] will claim aggravated damages," Kahuma contends.

He states in the plaint that he served as boss of the Standards body for 10 years, having been appointed in 2002 for a four-year tenure which expired in 2006.

He additionally states that he was reappointed for another term of four years which was again renewed on June 1, 2010 for another such term which was to expire in 2014.