IGG Orders Interdiction of URSB Registrar General Kainobwisho Amidst Corruption Probe

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has directed the interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials. This directive is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the agency.

The affected officials also include Deputy Registrar General Alex Aganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule. Their interdiction is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and prevent any interference.

This move escalates a controversy that began as an internal disciplinary dispute and has since drawn the attention of the President, the Attorney General, and now the Inspectorate of Government. Allegations against Kainobwisho include embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, money laundering, and institutional mismanagement.

The IGG’s order, issued to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao, mandates the immediate suspension of Kainobwisho from her duties. Minister Mao has been instructed to consult with the URSB Board to establish interim arrangements for the Registrar General’s functions.

Similarly, the URSB board, chaired by Francis Butagira, is tasked with implementing interim measures for the roles of the three other interdicted officials. The board has been directed to fully cooperate with the investigation and provide necessary support.

In a related directive, Minister Mao has also been ordered to halt a URSB residential Executive Training program at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, until the investigations are concluded.

The unfolding crisis at URSB gained presidential attention following a directive from President Museveni on July 24, ordering several senior officials, including Kainobwisho, to take leave pending an audit. The President also tasked the IGG, with assistance from State House auditors, to lead the investigation.

The dispute reportedly originated from an internal conflict involving Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration, who alleged corruption, abuse of office, and conflict of interest against some managers. Agaba’s allegations included issues with ICT system contracts, money laundering, embezzlement, and weak financial controls.

The current investigation by the IGG is expected to determine the validity of these allegations and whether any wrongdoing has occurred. URSB, responsible for critical registration and legal services, has assured the public that service delivery remains uninterrupted during this period.

This investigation follows a previous IGG inquiry in September 2025 concerning allegations of abuse of office and influence peddling involving a former URSB board secretary.

Source: Nile Post