government 18 August 2026 Nile Post
Minister Mao on URSB Saga: Five Officials on Leave, Seeks Presidential Meeting
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has placed five senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) on mandatory leave as investigations into alleged misconduct proceed. Mao also intends to seek a meeting with President Museveni to allow URSB's board and management to present their case. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364848/minister-mao-explains-chain-of-events-in-ursb-saga-seeks-meeting-with-museveni
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has confirmed that five senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) have been placed on mandatory leave. This action is a direct result of a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, issued on July 24, 2026, and received by the ministry on August 5. The affected officials include Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, and Commissioners Arthur Kwesiga, Gilbert Agaba, and Walid Kule.
Mao stated that this measure is intended to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations into allegations of misconduct at the URSB. He emphasized that the leave will remain in effect until the investigations are concluded, ensuring that the bureau can continue its essential statutory services without disruption.
The minister met with the URSB Board and senior management to brief them on the situation and urged cooperation with investigators while maintaining institutional stability. He also indicated plans to strengthen URSB’s internal governance structures to prevent the undermining of board decisions.
These developments follow concerns escalated to the President regarding the institution’s operations. The Inspector General of Government had previously directed Mao to interdict Kainobwisho and three other officials over allegations including embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering, and maladministration. The IGG also ordered a halt to a URSB training program.
Mao, however, defended URSB’s performance, highlighting its role as a regional benchmark and its attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification. He pointed to its contributions to Uganda’s anti-money laundering framework and its assistance to Malawi in establishing similar registration services. URSB also plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Copyright Law.
Despite URSB’s positive track record, the current controversy has raised questions about the independence of statutory boards. Mao expressed a desire for the URSB Board and management to have an opportunity to present their side to the President, particularly as decisions were made without their full hearing. He remains confident that the institution’s performance will ultimately vindicate it.