KAMPALA, Uganda – The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to enforce an earlier directive to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the institution.
In a press statement dated October 26, 2026, the Inspectorate said Mao had been directed to enforce the earlier order against Kainobwisho, who is accused of involvement in alleged corruption within the government agency.
The IG also directed URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira to immediately interdict Deputy Registrar General Anganya Alex, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations K wesiga Arthur, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Kule Walid.
The directive follows an earlier order issued in August 2026, when the Inspectorate directed the interdiction of Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations including embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.
The Inspectorate further directed Butagira to ensure that Gilbert Agaba, Commissioner for Business Registration Services, resumes his full duties with immediate effect after allegedly being irregularly placed on forced leave by Mao.
According to the statement, the interdiction was intended to allow ongoing investigations to proceed without interference and in the public interest.
However, the Inspectorate said Mao had instead placed the four officials on mandatory leave, which they had remained on beyond their statutory leave entitlement.
The IG also accused Mao of irregularly compelling Agaba to take mandatory leave despite him not being a subject of investigation.
Citing Section 9(1) of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, Cap. 34, the Inspectorate said a person should not be subjected to victimisation by an employer or another person on account of, or partly because of, making a protected disclosure.
It further cited Section 9(2)(a)(ii) and (ix) of the same law, which identifies suspension of an employee who has made a protected disclosure, as well as discriminatory or adverse measures, as forms of victimisation.
“In the circumstances, Hon. Mao, therefore, victimised Mr. Agaba by placing him on mandatory leave,” the statement reads.
The Inspectorate also invoked Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the course of performing its duties or following its findings.
The latest directive puts the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the URSB board under renewed pressure to implement the Inspectorate’s instructions as investigations into the allegations at the bureau continue.
The Inspectorate said it remained committed to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice while executing its mandate.
