URSB Commissioner Gilbert Agaba on Mandatory Leave Amidst Broader Investigation

Commissioner for Registration Services at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Gilbert Agaba, has been sent on mandatory leave, joining other top officials under scrutiny. The directive comes from Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, as the fallout from alleged corruption and mismanagement at URSB intensifies.

Agaba’s leave is intended to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigations, which were initiated following a directive from President Museveni. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) is leading the probe, assisted by auditors from the Office of the President.

Several other senior URSB figures have also been placed on leave, including Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovation Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Registration Services Walid Kule. This action follows an August 18 directive from the IGG to Minister Mao, citing allegations such as embezzlement, abuse of office, and money laundering.

The investigation has its roots in an internal dispute involving Agaba, which reportedly escalated into broader allegations against the URSB leadership. Sources suggest Agaba’s management style and strained work relations led to internal disciplinary processes and a formal warning from the URSB Board.

Agaba had previously contested for senior positions within URSB without success and objected to a transfer in 2025. He subsequently raised allegations of internal wrongdoing, including inflated contracts, suspected money laundering, and financial impropriety, with external authorities after internal avenues were exhausted.

The presidential intervention has broadened the scope from an internal dispute to a comprehensive audit of URSB’s leadership and operations. The implicated officials are to remain on leave until investigations are concluded, with the URSB Board tasked with establishing interim arrangements for their duties.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364846/gilbert-agaba-among-top-ursb-bosses-sent-on-mandatory-leave