news 19 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
URSB Registrar General and three officials interdicted over alleged graft
The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has directed the Minister of Justice to interdict URSB Registrar General Ms Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials amidst allegations of financial crimes. This action follows a directive from President Museveni to investigate the bureau. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/new-details-emerge-on-four-ursb-staff-under-probe-5563082
Four senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), including Registrar General Ms Mercy Kainobwisho, have been placed on forced leave and are now subject to interdiction following directives from the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and President Yoweri Museveni.
The IGG, Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, ordered Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nobert Mao, to interdict Ms Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Aganya, ICT and Innovations Commissioner Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner Business Registration Services Walid Kule. The investigations are reportedly centered on allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering, and maladministration within the URSB.
President Museveni had previously, in a letter dated July 24, instructed Minister Mao to send the four individuals on forced leave pending an ongoing audit of the bureau’s activities. The President also directed the IGG to lead the investigation, assisted by auditors, and to bring the Board Chairman, Mr Francis K. Butagira, for questioning.
Sources suggest that the current situation is a culmination of internal disputes and power struggles within URSB that surfaced earlier this year. An official, reportedly facing performance issues and numerous complaints, allegedly escalated their concerns to the Attorney General, Sam Mayanja, after internal disciplinary proceedings began. The Attorney General then forwarded the matter to the President.
Minister Mao confirmed meeting with URSB’s top management and board, indicating that a statement regarding the interdictions would be issued. The IGG’s directive also includes halting a planned executive training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, and requires the URSB Board Chairperson to make interim arrangements for the affected officials’ duties to ensure service continuity.
The interdiction aims to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing probe and prevent any potential interference. The specific allegations against the officials have not yet been independently verified, and attempts to reach Attorney General Mayanja for comment were unsuccessful by press time.