The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has renewed its directive to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption, embezzlement of government funds and abuse of office.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the Inspectorate directed Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao to enforce its earlier order to interdict Kainobwisho, while URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira was instructed to immediately interdict Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
“The IG has also directed Rt. Hon. Butagira Francis, URSB’s Chairperson of the Board of Directors, to immediately interdict Mr. Anganya Alex, Deputy Registrar General; Mr. Kwesiga Arthur, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations; and Mr. Kule Walid, Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services,” the statement reads.
The latest directive follows an earlier order issued in August 2026, when the Inspectorate directed Mao to interdict Kainobwisho and three other officials over allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB. However, the Inspectorate says Mao placed the four officials on mandatory leave instead of interdicting them.
“However, Hon. Mao instead placed the four officials on mandatory leave, which they have remained on to date, exceeding their statutory leave entitlement,” the statement reads. The Inspectorate said the interdiction was intended to protect the integrity of the investigations.
“The interdiction was intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest,” the statement adds. The IG has also directed the URSB board chairperson to reinstate Commissioner for Business Registration Services Gilbert Agaba, who was placed on mandatory leave despite not being a subject of the investigations.
“Rt. Hon. Butagira has been further directed to ensure that Mr. Agaba Gilbert, Commissioner, Business Registration Services, who had been irregularly sent on forced leave by Hon. Mao, resumes the full functions and duties of the office of the Commissioner, Business Registration at the Bureau with immediate effect,” the statement reads. The Inspectorate accused Mao of victimising Agaba, citing provisions of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibit employers from taking adverse action against employees who make protected disclosures.
“In the circumstances, Hon. Mao, therefore, victimised Mr. Agaba by placing him on mandatory leave,” the statement says. The Inspectorate cited Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act as the legal basis for its directives. The constitutional provision and the Act empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the execution of its duties.
The statement also cited Section 9 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits victimisation of employees for making protected disclosures and identifies suspension and other discriminatory measures as forms of victimisation.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and due process, saying it would continue to execute its mandate while upholding the principles of natural justice. The allegations against the URSB officials have not been established in court.