The Inspectorate of Government has renewed pressure on the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials as investigations into alleged corruption, abuse of office and institutional mismanagement continue. The latest directive puts Justice Minister Norbert Mao under renewed pressure to implement the Inspectorate’s earlier orders concerning the officials.
In a statement dated October 26, 2026, the Inspectorate said Mao had previously been directed to interdict Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule. The four officials are linked to investigations into alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the government agency.
According to the Inspectorate, the interdictions were intended to allow investigations to proceed without interference while protecting the public interest. However, the IG said the minister instead placed the officials on mandatory leave in August, and they have remained away from their duties beyond their statutory leave entitlement. The government watchdog has now directed the ministry to enforce the interdictions as originally instructed.
The matter follows an earlier decision by Mao to send Kainobwisho and other senior URSB officials on mandatory leave after President Yoweri Museveni ordered an audit of the bureau’s activities. At the time, the minister indicated that the affected officials would remain away from their offices until the investigations were completed. Deputy Registrar General for Registries Mustapher Ntale was subsequently assigned to perform the functions of Registrar General during Kainobwisho’s absence.
The Inspectorate said its investigations focus on allegations involving the commission of offences, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB. The allegations have placed the institution’s leadership under scrutiny as authorities seek to establish whether any wrongdoing occurred. The interdiction directive is an administrative measure intended to facilitate the investigations and does not, by itself, establish the guilt of the officials concerned.
In a separate development, the Inspectorate has directed URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Butagira Francis to immediately reinstate Commissioner for Business Registration Services Gilbert Agaba. The IG said Agaba had been placed on mandatory leave despite not being among the officials under investigation. It argued that the decision was irregular and called for his immediate return to his position.
The Inspectorate further stated that Agaba had made a protected disclosure and was therefore entitled to protection under the Whistleblowers Protection Act. Citing the law, the IG said individuals should not face victimisation by their employers or other persons because they have made protected disclosures. It consequently concluded that placing Agaba on mandatory leave amounted to victimisation and ordered the board chairman to ensure he resumes his duties with immediate effect.
The latest directives place the spotlight on the Ministry of Justice, URSB’s leadership and the bureau’s board as the investigations continue. The Inspectorate has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice while carrying out its mandate. Attention will now turn to whether the ministry and the URSB board comply with the orders, as the investigations seek to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and the circumstances that led to the officials being sent on mandatory leave.
About the Author
