Museveni Orders URSB Audit, Top Officials Sent on Leave Amid Allegations

President Yoweri Museveni has initiated a significant investigation into the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), an agency responsible for crucial business and intellectual property registrations. The directive follows escalating claims of financial misconduct and institutional mismanagement that have reached the highest levels of government.

In a letter dated July 24, President Museveni instructed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to place key URSB officials, including Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and Assistant Commissioner Walid Kule, on forced leave pending the completion of a thorough audit. This move signals a high level of presidential scrutiny over the agency’s leadership.

The investigation is to be spearheaded by the Inspector General of Government (IGG), with assistance from State House auditors. Museveni also summoned the URSB Board Chairman, Ambassador Francis Butagira, for discussions.

This presidential intervention appears to have stemmed from an internal dispute that began with Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration. Agaba was facing disciplinary action from the URSB management and board, but he countered by levelling allegations of criminal conduct and financial impropriety against the institution’s leadership.

Documents suggest the conflict had been brewing for months, involving serious accusations such as embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering, and mismanagement. Agaba claimed his disciplinary issues were a reprisal for raising these concerns. The situation has exposed deep internal divisions within the URSB, raising questions about whistleblowing procedures and administrative handling of alleged misconduct.

The URSB has confirmed that an audit is underway, assuring the public that service delivery remains unaffected. The full scope of the audit and the specific allegations remain under investigation.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364353/museveni-orders-ursb-audit-sends-top-officials-on-forced-leave