IGG orders interdiction of URSB registrar general, three others
In a directive dated August 18, 2026 and issued to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, the IGG ordered that Kainobwisho be removed from exercising the powers and functions of her office pending the conclusion of investigations.
Kainobwisho has served two terms as registrar general, having been appointed to the same position in December 2020.
KAMPALA - The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has ordered the immediate interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho, and three others as the inspectorate launches investigations into allegations of corruption, abuse of office and financial impropriety at the agency.
In a directive dated August 18, 2026 and issued to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, the IGG ordered that Kainobwisho be removed from exercising the powers and functions of her office pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Inspectorate is investigating allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.
The IGG said the interdiction is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the investigations and prevent possible interference while the allegations are being examined.
“In the instant case, public interest demands that while investigations against the above officer are still ongoing, she should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of her office,” the directive states.
The order is anchored in Article 230 of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empowers the IGG to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the circumstances while performing her duties or following her findings.
The IGG asked Minister Mao, in consultation with the URSB Board, to put in place interim arrangements to ensure that the functions of the Registrar General continue without disruption during the period of interdiction.
Three affected officials
In a separate directive, the IGG directed the Chairperson of the URSB Board of Directors, Francis Butagira, to interdict three other senior officials of the Bureau pending completion of investigations into allegations of corruption against them.
The affected officials are: Alex Aganya, Deputy Registrar General; Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner ICT and Innovations; and Walid Kule, the Assistant Commissioner Business Registration Services.
Butagira has been directed to promptly make appropriate interim arrangements for the discharge of the functions of the interdicted officials in accordance with the applicable laws, thereby ensuring continuity of URSB services and preventing any operational lacuna.
The board chairperson has also been directed to ensure that the URSB board, management and staff fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations and provide the necessary support to facilitate their completion.
The IGG reiterated her call to all public officials to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.
The IGG has also ordered the suspension of a planned URSB residential Executive Training programme at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
The training had been scheduled to run from Sunday, August 16 to Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to the directive, the programme is to remain suspended until the IGG concludes investigations or issues further guidance.
The incidents follow a visit by auditors to URSB offices on Plot 1 on Baskerville Avenue in Kampala.
The audit team spent the better part of the weekend and Monday combing through various documents at the agency.
Kainobwisho has served two terms as registrar general, having been appointed to the same position in December 2020.
She replaced Bemanya Twebaze, who was elected director general of the Africa Intellectual Property Organisation.