Richard Nangalama appointed acting Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards

Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). Nangalama previously served as the Deputy Executive Director responsible for Management and Financial Services at the standards body.

His appointment comes after the interdiction of the former Executive Director, David Livingstone Ebiru, who faced allegations of misconduct and bribery. Ebiru was directed to leave his position after confessing to bribing the Chairperson and Council of UNBS with 100 million shillings in an attempt to retain his job as the head of the country’s standards body.

In his new role, Nangalama will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the directorate through effective planning, monitoring, coordination, and implementation of UNBS policies and programs.

Nangalama has a background in both private and public entities, with over two decades of experience. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance, a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, a Certificate in Law (Administrative Officers course), and a Bachelor of Commerce.

He is also a Certified Public Accountant in both Uganda and Kenya, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified ISO 31000 Risk Management Professional. He has also received training in various areas, including Quality Management Systems (QMS ISO 9001), Corporate Governance, Internet security and ethical hacking, Competence-based job evaluation, and Public Finance Reforms.

Nangalama is actively involved in governance responsibilities, serving on the Audit Committee of the Inter-University Council of East Africa, the Governing Council of Aduku College of Commerce, and the Board of Finance Mukono Diocese. He also holds the position of Chairperson on the Board of Governors at Bubulo Secondary School and is a member of Bubulo Girls High School.

Furthermore, he has contributed to several professional committees at the Institute of Internal Auditors of Uganda (IIA-Uganda) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU).

The previous Executive Director, David Livingstone Ebiru, faced scrutiny last year when the Auditor General’s report raised concerns about the financials of UNBS.

Ebiru joined UNBS as Deputy ED in charge of Administration and Finance Management in 2012 and became Acting ED in 2020 after the retirement of Dr. Ben Manyindo, before being confirmed as the substantive ED the following year.