IGG DIRECTS INTERDICTION OF URSB REGISTRAR GENERAL, THREE OTHERS OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Mercy Kainabwiso has been sent on mandatory leave by Minister Norbert Mao

URN

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to immediately interdict the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Mercy Kainobwisho, as investigations into allegations of corruption against her continue.

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has commenced investigations into allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.

The interdiction is intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest.

The IGG’s directive is anchored in Article 230 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empowers the Inspector General of Government, during the course of their duties or as a consequence of their findings, to make such orders and issue such directions as may be necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.

In this case, the IGG said public interest requires that Kainobwisho be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of her office while investigations are ongoing.

Mao has also been directed, in consultation with the URSB Board, to implement interim arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted discharge of the Registrar General’s functions throughout the period of interdiction.

The Minister has further been directed to suspend URSB’s scheduled residential Executive Training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, which was scheduled to run from Sunday, August 16 to Friday, August 21, 2026.

The training will remain suspended until the IG’s investigations are concluded or further guidance is issued. In a separate directive, the IGG has directed the Chairperson of the URSB Board of Directors, Butagira Francis, to interdict three senior officials of the Bureau pending the completion of investigations into allegations of corruption against them.

The affected officials are Aganya Alex, Deputy Registrar General; Kwesiga Arthur, Commissioner, ICT and Innovations; and Kule Walid, Assistant Commissioner, Business Registration.

Butagira has been directed to promptly make appropriate interim arrangements to discharge the functions of the interdicted officials in accordance with applicable laws, to ensure continuity of URSB services and prevent any operational gaps.

The Board Chairperson has also been directed to ensure that the URSB Board, management and staff fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations and provide the necessary support to facilitate their completion.

The IGG has reiterated its call to all public officials to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.

Meanwhile, Nobert Mao, in a message posted on his X, said that after a meeting with the top management of the Ministry, he wrote, sending five officials of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau on Mandatory Leave. Mao also stated that on Tuesday, August 18, he met the Uganda Registration Services Bureau Board and Management.

“This is to inform you that you have been placed under Mandatory Leave from your role at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau effective Monday, 17th August 2026 until further notice,” Mao wrote to the five officials, including  Kainobwisho.

He said the decision is in line with the directive of H.E. the President instituting an audit of the activities of URSB. He informed them that the IGG is to lead the investigation with the assistance of auditors from the Office of the President.

“Your going on mandatory leave is to ensure the integrity of the investigation, and you will remain on leave until investigations are complete,” said Mao.

He said that during this period, Mustapha Ntale, Deputy Registrar General -Registries, will perform the functions of the Registrar General and will assign relevant officers to act in the positions of the officers who have been sent on mandatory leave.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis