The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) recently held elections during its 31st General Assembly in Zanzibar, where Uganda emerged victorious in three key areas
Key Victories
- Endorsement for ISO Council: Uganda's candidature, represented by UNBS Executive Director Eng. James Kasigwa, was endorsed as the African candidate for election to the Council of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under Group 4 for the term 2026-2028.
- Election to ARSO Council: Uganda was voted to the ARSO Council, a key policy organ responsible for overseeing the organization's activities. Eng. James Kasigwa will represent Uganda on the ARSO Council for a three-year tenure starting July 2025.

- Election to ARSO's Standards Management Committee (SMC): Uganda was also voted to the SMC, which manages the implementation of procedures and processes for harmonizing African standards. Mr. Joel Peter Oryang, Head of Regional and International Liaison at UNBS, will represent Uganda on the SMC for a three-year tenure.

Implications and Future Plans
These victories underscore the confidence placed in UNBS's demonstrated leadership at the policy and technical levels within the continent and internationally. Eng. Kasigwa emphasized the importance of diversity, digital transformation, and engagement with policymakers at the ISO council. Uganda's priority areas include amplifying the African voice at the international level and adopting a common African position on policy decisions.

With this achievement, Uganda is now vying for the one available ISO Council seat under Group 4, competing with Costa Rica. The ISO Council elections will take place during the ISO Annual Meeting in October 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda.
About the Organizations Involved
- Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS): A government agency responsible for developing, promoting, and enforcing national standards to protect public health and safety, the environment, and ensure fair trade.

- African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO): Africa's inter-governmental standards body formed to develop tools for standards development, harmonization, and implementation to enhance Africa's internal trading capacity and global competitiveness.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO): A global network of national standards bodies that develops international standards to help organizations improve performance, meet regulatory requirements, and build trust with customers and partners.