The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is under scrutiny by Parliament's Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) over the registration of four prominent companies that allegedly owe the government Shs8 billion in unpaid registration fees. The companies in question are Rock Construction, Tropical Bank, Oil Palm Kalangala, and Speke Resort Munyonyo. According to the Auditor General's report for the 2024/2025 financial year, the four companies have accumulated outstanding registration fees.
URSB Acting Accounting Officer Ntale Musitafa explained that the Bureau proceeded with the registrations after the Minister of Finance reportedly wrote to the institution, committing to facilitate payment of the outstanding fees. However, the committee has resolved to summon directors of the four companies to explain the circumstances surrounding the unpaid fees and clarify why the mandatory registration charges remain outstanding.
The committee has summoned the directors of the four companies for next Thursday. Additionally, COSASE has summoned the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to appear before the committee on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The summons is to clarify discrepancies surrounding the interdiction of officials at URSB.
Members of the committee questioned the status of Ambrose Ekaju, the former Commissioner for Finance and Administration, whose name was reportedly missing from the IGG communication cited during the proceedings. URSB's accounting officer stated that the specific interdiction directive issued by the IGG targets four officials: Mercy Kainobwisho, Alex Anganya, Arthur Kwesiga, and Walid Kule.
The interdiction directive has caused confusion, with apparent differences between communication from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and a subsequent press statement regarding the officials affected by the interdictions. COSASE is seeking clarification from Mao on the scope of the directive and the apparent inconsistencies in the communication regarding the affected officials.
The two matters place URSB's registration fee collection and its handling of staff interdictions under parliamentary scrutiny. COSASE is seeking accountability from the companies involved and the government officials responsible for the relevant decisions. The committee's actions aim to ensure that the government receives the registration fees owed and that the interdiction of URSB officials is properly handled.
The summons of the company directors and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs demonstrate the committee's commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of government agencies. The outcome of the committee's investigations will likely have implications for URSB and the companies involved.
Key points
- - The Uganda Registration Services Bureau is under scrutiny over Shs8 billion in unpaid registration fees from four companies. - The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises has summoned the directors of the companies and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. - The summons aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the unpaid fees and the interdiction of URSB officials.
