profiles 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Barefoot beginnings to UNBS leadership: Sylvia Kirabo's inspiring journey
Sylvia Kirabo, now head of Marketing and Public Relations at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), reflects on her journey from a barefoot schoolgirl in Iganga to a key figure in consumer protection and standards advocacy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/from-barefoot-schoolgirl-to-leader-at-unbs-5580514
Sylvia Kirabo’s path to leading communications at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her early years were marked by humble beginnings, attending school barefoot in Iganga District with a simple dream of owning shoes. Despite these modest circumstances, her ambitions soared.
Kirabo’s academic journey began at Bishop Wills Demonstration School, where she excelled, becoming the top pupil in her class by Primary Seven. Though her family couldn’t afford secondary school fees, her elder brother’s support enabled her to attend Kisiki College. Her exceptional performance continued, earning her a First Grade at Ordinary Level.
Initially slated for primary teacher training, Kirabo’s teachers recognized her potential and advocated for her to pursue Advanced Level studies. A scholarship facilitated this crucial turning point, allowing her to study HEGD and score 22 points, ranking among the top students in Iganga District.
Her professional career kicked off with an internship at UNBS, where she credits Moses Sebunya with shaping her path. After graduating from Makerere University with a degree in Mass Communication in 2009, Kirabo secured a short-term role at UNBS, focusing on standards awareness and consumer rights. This experience laid the groundwork for a long career, culminating in a permanent appointment as Public Relations Officer in 2010.
Seeking new challenges, Kirabo moved to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) before returning to UNBS in 2020 to head the Marketing and Public Relations Department. She took the helm during the demanding Covid-19 pandemic, a period that required innovative communication strategies to disseminate vital information about product safety and UNBS’s role in the national response.
Kirabo championed virtual engagements and simplified communication, often using local languages to reach traders and consumers. She firmly believes that promoting standards is a collective responsibility, extending beyond regulators to include consumers who demand quality products. Her leadership has been instrumental in making complex standards accessible and fostering stakeholder engagement to build a stronger economy.