The Inspectorate of Government has intensified pressure on Justice Minister Norbert Mao to take action against Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) officials accused of corruption. On October 26, 2026, the Inspectorate issued a directive ordering Mao to enforce an earlier order to interdict URSB boss Mercy Kainobwisho. This move is part of ongoing investigations into alleged wrongdoing at the bureau. The Inspectorate also ordered the interdiction of three other senior officials: Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
The latest directive follows an earlier order issued in August 2026, requiring Mao to interdict Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering, and maladministration. However, instead of interdicting the four officials, Mao placed them on mandatory leave. According to the Inspectorate, they have remained on leave beyond their statutory leave entitlement. This development has sparked a dispute over the implementation of the Inspectorate's directive and the status of the four officials.
The Inspectorate has also ordered the immediate return of Gilbert Agaba, Commissioner for Business Registration Services, to his full duties. Agaba was placed on mandatory leave by Mao, a decision the Inspectorate questioned, as he was not a subject of the investigations. The Inspectorate cited Section 9(1) of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits victimization of individuals who make protected disclosures. The law identifies suspension and other discriminatory measures against an employee who has made a protected disclosure as forms of victimization.
The Inspectorate invoked Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the IG to issue orders and directions necessary for executing its duties. The dispute now centers on the implementation of the Inspectorate's earlier directive, the status of the four officials placed on mandatory leave, and Agaba's return to office. The corruption and mismanagement allegations against the URSB officials have not been presented as proven findings of guilt.
The matter dates back to July 2026, when President Yoweri Museveni directed that senior officials at the URSB be sent on leave as an audit was conducted. In a letter dated July 24, 2026, the President also instructed the Inspectorate of Government to lead the investigations with assistance from State House auditors. The Inspectorate announced investigations into allegations of embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering, and maladministration at URSB in August 2026.
The Inspectorate said removing the officials from the exercise of their duties was necessary to allow the investigations to proceed without interference. It also ordered the suspension of a planned residential executive training program for URSB officials at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi. The Inspectorate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice.
The latest developments have significant implications for the URSB and the broader efforts to combat corruption in Uganda. The Inspectorate's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability in the public sector. The outcome of the investigations and the implementation of the Inspectorate's directives will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- Inspectorate of Government directs Justice Minister Norbert Mao to interdict URSB officials accused of corruption
- Dispute centers on implementation of Inspectorate's directive and status of officials placed on mandatory leave
- Inspectorate invokes Constitution and Inspectorate of Government Act to issue orders and directions
