The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho pending investigations into allegations of corruption at the institution.
The Inspectorate of Government (IG) said it has commenced investigations into allegations against Kainobwisho involving embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration.
According to the IG, the interdiction is intended to safeguard the integrity of the investigations and prevent possible interference while the allegations are being examined.
The directive is based on Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empowers the IGG to issue orders and directions considered necessary in the course of its duties or as a consequence of its findings.
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 put in place interim arrangements to ensure that the functions of the Registrar General continue without interruption during the interdiction.
NALI training suspended
The minister has further been directed to suspend URSB’s scheduled residential executive training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi.
The training, which was scheduled to run from August 16 to August 21, 2026, will remain suspended until the IG concludes its investigations or issues further guidance.
Three senior officials affected
In a separate directive, the IGG has ordered the interdiction of three other senior URSB officials pending investigations into allegations of corruption against them.
The officials are Deputy Registrar General Alex Aganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
The directive was addressed to URSB Board chairperson Francis Butagira, who has been instructed to make appropriate interim arrangements for the affected offices to ensure continuity of services.
Butagira has also been directed to ensure that the URSB Board, management and staff fully cooperate with the investigations and provide the necessary information and support required by the IG.
The Inspectorate of Government reiterated its call for public officials to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.
