KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to enforce the interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, the Inspector General of Government said Mao had failed to implement an earlier directive issued in August, instead placing the officials on mandatory leave.
Besides Kainobwisho, the officials facing interdiction are Alex Anganya, the Deputy Registrar General; Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for Information and Communications Technology and Innovations; and Kule Walid, Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services.
The IG also directed URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira to ensure immediate compliance with the interdiction orders.
The four officials are being investigated over alleged embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at the government agency.
According to the Inspectorate, the interdiction was intended to ensure that ongoing investigations proceed without interference and in the public interest.
However, the statement said Mao had instead placed the four officials on mandatory leave, which they have remained on to date, exceeding their statutory leave entitlement.
The IG further accused the minister of irregularly compelling Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, to take mandatory leave despite him not being a subject of the investigation.
The Inspectorate said Agaba’s absence had prevented him from performing the full duties of his office.
It has now directed Butagira to ensure that Agaba immediately resumes his functions as Commissioner for Business Registration Services.
The IG cited Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the Inspector General to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the execution of the office’s mandate.
The statement also invoked the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits victimisation of individuals for making protected disclosures.
Under Section 9 of the law, victimisation includes suspending an employee because they have made a protected disclosure or subjecting them to discriminatory or adverse measures.
The IG argued that placing Agaba on mandatory leave in the circumstances amounted to victimisation under the law.
The latest directive underscores the Inspectorate’s push to ensure that its earlier orders are implemented as investigations into alleged irregularities at URSB continue.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice while carrying out its mandate.
The allegations against the officials have not been established in court.
