IGG Directs Interdiction of URSB Registrar General, Three other Officials Over Corruption Allegations

What the report says

Uganda’s Inspector General of Government has ordered the immediate interdiction of the Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Mercy Kainobwisho, as corruption investigations begin, according to Watchdog Uganda. The directive was issued to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, and is intended to keep the inquiry free from interference while the matter is handled in the public interest.

The published report says the Inspectorate of Government has opened investigations into allegations that include embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB. The IGG said the action is based on powers under Uganda’s Constitution and the Inspectorate of Government Act. The minister was also told, working with the URSB board, to make temporary arrangements so the bureau’s registrar functions continue during the interdiction.

Watchdog Uganda reported that the IGG separately directed the URSB board chairperson to interdict three other senior officials: Deputy Registrar General Aganya Alex, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Kwesiga Arthur, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Kule Walid. The board and management were asked to cooperate fully with investigators and maintain service continuity.

The report also says a scheduled residential executive training for URSB officials at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi was halted pending the outcome of the investigation or further guidance. The case matters because URSB is a key public institution handling business and registration services, and the move signals intensified scrutiny of governance and accountability in a major government bureau.