Minister Mao Explains Chain of Events in URSB Saga, Seeks Meeting with Museveni

What the report says

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has said five senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) will stay on mandatory leave while investigations into the agency continue. The officials named in the report are Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovation Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for Registration Services Gilbert Agaba and Assistant Commissioner for Registration Services Walid Kule.

According to the Nile Post report, Mao linked the move to a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, which he said reached his ministry in early August. He said he consulted the URSB board chair before acting, and that the leave is meant to protect the integrity of the probe while allowing the bureau to keep delivering its statutory services. Mao also said he met URSB board members and senior management to brief them on the steps taken and asked them to cooperate with investigators.

The developments come amid allegations reported against URSB officials, including claims such as embezzlement, abuse of office, money laundering and maladministration. The Inspector General of Government also reportedly asked Mao to interdict some of the officials and to stop a training programme at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi while the inquiry continues.

Mao defended URSB’s record, describing it as an important public agency for business registration, intellectual property, civil registration and related services. He said the bureau should continue operating normally and indicated that the ministry would seek a meeting with President Museveni so the board and management can present their side. More broadly, the case highlights tensions around oversight of statutory bodies and the need to keep essential public services running during investigations.