The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has directed the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to immediately interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho as investigations into alleged corruption at the institution get underway.
The Inspectorate of Government (IG) said it has opened investigations into Kainobwisho over allegations including embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration.
According to the IGG, the decision to have the Registrar General interdicted is aimed at ensuring that the investigations are carried out without interference and in the public interest.
The directive is based on Article 230 of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which give the IGG powers to issue orders and directions considered necessary during investigations.
The IGG said public interest requires that Kainobwisho be stopped from exercising the powers and functions of her office while the investigations are ongoing.
Mao has also been directed to consult the URSB Board and put in place temporary arrangements to ensure that the Bureau continues operating normally during the period of interdiction.
The Minister has further been ordered to suspend URSB’s residential Executive Training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi. The training had been scheduled to run from August 16 to August 21, 2026.
The training will remain suspended until the Inspectorate of Government completes its investigations or issues further guidance.
Three More Senior Officials Affected
The IGG has also directed the Chairperson of the URSB Board of Directors, Rt. Hon. Francis Butagira, to interdict three other senior officials as investigations into separate corruption allegations against them continue.
They are Alex Aganya, the Deputy Registrar General; Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations; and Walid Kule, Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services.
Butagira has been instructed to make appropriate interim arrangements for the affected positions to ensure that URSB services continue without interruption.
The Board Chairperson has also been directed to ensure that the URSB Board, management and staff fully cooperate with the investigations and provide the Inspectorate with the necessary support to complete the process.
The latest directive places the leadership and management of URSB under significant scrutiny as the government anti-corruption agency moves to establish whether the allegations against the officials have merit.
The Inspectorate of Government has meanwhile reminded public officials to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity while carrying out their duties.
