The Ugandan government has appointed Gen. Ivan Koreta UIRI board chair in a major leadership shake-up aimed at restoring credibility and accountability at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI). The decision follows years of governance struggles, allegations of mismanagement, and stalled progress at the state-owned industrial research body.
Swearing-in of the New Board
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), presided over by Registrar Special Duties, HW Harriet Ssali. Alongside Gen. Koreta, the new board includes Ms. Jolly Kamugisha Kaguhangire, Dr. Catherine Wandera, Ms. Magdalene Akite, and Dr. Joshua Mutambi.
Minister of State for Trade Hon. David Bahati welcomed the new leadership, urging them to reposition UIRI as a driver of Uganda’s industrial transformation. “We expect this board to steer UIRI to deliver on its mandate of industrialization through research and innovation,” Bahati said.
Governance Challenges at UIRI
The appointment of Gen. Ivan Koreta UIRI chair comes amid rising concerns about the management of UIRI under long-serving Executive Director Prof. Charles Kwesiga. Over the years, Prof. Kwesiga has faced accusations of defying board directives, mismanagement, and failing to deliver on research and industrialization targets.
Multiple government audit reports and parliamentary findings have highlighted UIRI’s persistent governance challenges. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticized the institute for financial mismanagement, underutilization of funds, and stalled projects. The Auditor General further flagged the failure to operationalize expensive equipment meant to support small and medium enterprises.
In 2022, Parliament’s Committee on Trade warned that internal wrangles and a lack of strategic direction were crippling UIRI’s ability to contribute effectively to Uganda’s industrial growth.
Who is Gen. Ivan Koreta?
Gen. Koreta is a respected figure in Uganda’s history, known for his role as one of the commanders in the National Resistance Army (NRA) struggle that brought the current government to power in 1986. He has served in several senior roles within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
Renowned for his discipline and experience in public service, Gen. Koreta’s appointment is expected to bring authority, stability, and stronger oversight to the UIRI board. His leadership is seen as a corrective step to restore accountability and align the institute with Uganda’s industrialization agenda.
The appointment of Gen. Ivan Koreta UIRI board chair signals government intent to address the long-standing challenges that have undermined the institute. With his experience in leadership and discipline, Koreta is expected to strengthen governance, rebuild trust, and ensure that UIRI fulfills its mission of supporting innovation, research, and industrial development in Uganda.
