The Inspectorate of Government has ordered Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao to immediately interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over alleged corruption, escalating a standoff over investigations into alleged financial and administrative misconduct at the institution.
In a press statement dated October 26, 2026, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) directed Mao to enforce its earlier directive against Kainobwisho, while ordering the immediate interdiction of three other senior officials accused of involvement in alleged irregularities at the government agency.
The officials are Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Kule Walid.
The latest directive places renewed pressure on URSB’s leadership as investigations continue into allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration.
The IG said it had issued the original interdiction directive in August 2026, but accused Mao of failing to implement it as required.
Instead of interdicting the four officials, the Inspectorate says Mao placed them on mandatory leave, a decision it now considers irregular and contrary to the purpose of the ongoing investigations.
IG Accuses Mao of Victimising Whistleblower
In a further escalation, the Inspectorate has accused Mao of victimising Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, by compelling him to take mandatory leave despite him not being a subject of the investigations.
The IG has directed URSB Board Chairman Francis Butagira to ensure Agaba immediately resumes his full duties.
According to the Inspectorate, Agaba had been irregularly forced onto leave by Mao, prompting the intervention to restore him to office.
The IG argues that the minister’s action violated the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits employers and other persons from victimising individuals because they have made, or are suspected of making, protected disclosures.
Section 9(1) of the Act provides that a person must not be subjected to victimisation on account of, or partly on account of, making a protected disclosure.
The Inspectorate further cites Section 9(2), which identifies suspension and other discriminatory or adverse measures against a whistleblower as forms of victimisation.
“In the circumstances, Hon. Mao, therefore, victimised Mr. Agaba by placing him on mandatory leave,” the statement reads.
The allegation places the minister under scrutiny over his handling of the URSB investigations and the administrative decisions taken against officials at the bureau.
Constitutional Powers Invoked Against Minister
The Inspectorate has invoked Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the Inspector General to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the execution of its mandate.
The IG says the powers underpin its directive to the minister and its latest instructions concerning the URSB officials.
It has now tasked Butagira with ensuring that the interdiction of the four officials is implemented while Agaba resumes his responsibilities without delay.
The dispute raises questions about compliance with directives issued by the Inspectorate, the handling of corruption investigations within government institutions, and the protection of whistleblowers who report suspected wrongdoing.
The allegations against Kainobwisho and the three other officials remain allegations; the press statement does not establish their guilt.
The Inspectorate said it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice as it carries out its mandate.
The latest directive marks a significant escalation in the URSB saga, with the Inspectorate challenging both the handling of its interdiction orders and the decision to send a commissioner who was not under investigation on mandatory leave.
