The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to enforce its earlier directive to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
In a press statement dated October 26, 2026, the IG said Mao had failed to implement its August directive, instead placing the four officials on mandatory leave, where they have remained to date.
The IG has now directed URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira to immediately interdict Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kweisiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
The officials are being investigated over allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at the bureau.
The directive is intended to ensure that ongoing investigations proceed without interference and in the public interest.
The IG has also ordered Butagira to immediately reinstate Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, to the full functions and duties of his office.
According to the statement, Agaba had been irregularly sent on forced leave by Mao despite not being a subject of the investigation.
The Inspectorate cited Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the execution of the office’s duties.
The IG further argued that Agaba’s forced leave amounted to victimisation under the Whistleblowers Protection Act.
Section 9(1) of the Act prohibits employers or other persons from victimising individuals for making protected disclosures. The law also identifies suspension and other discriminatory or adverse measures against whistleblowers as forms of victimisation.
“In the circumstances, Hon. Mao, therefore, victimised Mr. Agaba by placing him on mandatory leave,” the statement reads.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice while executing its mandate.
The latest directive places renewed pressure on the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and URSB’s leadership to implement the IG’s recommendations as investigations into the alleged irregularities continue.
The allegations against the four officials have not been established as findings of guilt, and the interdiction is intended to facilitate the investigations.
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