The Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Eng. James Kasigwa has been elected as a Council Member of the International Organ ization for Standardization (ISO) for the period 2026 to 2028. The election, which saw Uganda triumph over Costa Rica, took place during the ISO General Assembly held in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 9, 2025.
Uganda’s nomination to the ISO Council was formally endorsed by Rwanda, Tanzania, the Republic of Korea (South), and South Africa. The endorsement came during the 32nd African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) General Assembly held in June 2025, where Uganda was confirmed as the sole candidate representing the African region. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the country and reaffirms Uganda’s growing influence in the global standardization landscape.
In his maiden address following the announcement, Eng. Kasigwa expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda for its unwavering support and confidence in his leadership. He pledged to diligently represent the interests of developing nations and ensure that their voices are heard and reflected in ISO’s decision-making processes.
“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,” Eng. Kasigwa said.
He noted that developing countries account for nearly 75% of ISO’s membership but continue to face challenges in actively participating in the organization’s technical and policy work. This limited involvement, he warned, risks undermining their global relevance and ability to shape standards that directly impact their economies.
“I will ensure that we leverage our knowledge and experience in standardization to advocate for enhanced participation of members in both the technical and policy work of ISO,” he emphasized. “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.”
Eng. Kasigwa also highlighted the importance of embracing the digital revolution as a means of bridging the technological divide between developed and developing nations. He underscored the need for ISO to support digital transformation initiatives that can accelerate the adoption of modern standards, promote innovation, and boost competitiveness in the global market.
“Digitalization presents a unique opportunity for all member states to close the existing gap between developed and developing economies,” he said. “It is vital that we champion digital tools that can simplify access to standards, enhance efficiency, and promote knowledge sharing among stakeholders.”
Uganda’s successful bid for ISO Council membership was anchored on the belief that standards are a silent yet powerful driver of sustainable socio-economic transformation. According to Eng. Kasigwa, standards play a critical role in ensuring product quality, facilitating trade, protecting consumers, and enabling enterprises to access international markets.
He pledged to use his extensive professional experience to advance the use of standards as key enablers of enterprise development, market access, and industrial competitiveness. Eng. Kasigwa is an electrical engineer with vast experience in the telecommunications industry and public policy. He previously served as Uganda’s focal point for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for over a decade, where he championed ICT and digital transformation initiatives.
As a member of the ISO Council, Uganda will play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization. The country will contribute to promoting the relevance and impact of ISO standards in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and public health.
Eng. Kasigwa’s election not only elevates Uganda’s profile on the international stage but also strengthens Africa’s collective voice in the global standardization ecosystem. His leadership is expected to inspire greater participation by developing economies and foster a more inclusive and equitable standards community worldwide.
