IG presses Mao to interdict URSB boss Kainobwisho, commissioner reinstated

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 statement issued on Monday, the Inspectorate directed Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao to enforce its earlier order to interdict Ms Kainobwisho, while URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira was instructed to immediately interdict three other officials.

The officials are 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 order issued in August 2026, when the Inspectorate directed Mr Mao to interdict the four officials over allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at the bureau.

However, the Inspectorate says the minister instead placed the officials on mandatory leave, a decision it says did not comply with its directive.

“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 safeguard the integrity of the investigations by preventing possible interference.

“The interdiction was intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest,” the statement adds.

The renewed directive puts pressure on the minister and the URSB board to implement the Inspectorate’s orders as investigations into the allegations against the officials continue.

IG orders reinstatement of commissioner

In a related directive, the Inspectorate ordered Mr Butagira to reinstate Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, who was also placed on mandatory leave despite not being a subject of the investigations.

The Inspectorate directed that Mr Agaba resume his full duties with immediate effect, describing his placement on forced leave as irregular.

“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 Mr Mao of victimising Mr 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.

Section 9 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act prohibits victimisation of employees for making protected disclosures and identifies suspension and other discriminatory measures as possible forms of victimisation.

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 provisions empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the execution of its mandate.

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 Ms Kainobwisho and the three other officials have not been established in court.