The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has interdicted Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials as investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office at the government agency get underway.
The decision, contained in a directive dated August 18, 2026, was issued by Inspector General of Government (IGG) Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, who directed the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, to immediately interdict Kainobwisho from exercising the powers and functions of the Registrar General.
The IG says investigations against Kainobwisho have commenced over allegations including embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, illicit mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.
The interdiction, according to the IG, is intended to ensure that the investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest.
The directive invokes Article 230 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 32, which empower the IG to issue orders and directions considered necessary during the course of its duties or following its findings.
The IGG said public interest demands that Kainobwisho be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of her office while the investigations remain ongoing.
The investigations have also swept through the upper ranks of URSB, with three additional senior officials ordered to step aside pending completion of investigations into allegations of corruption.
They are Aganya Alex, Deputy Registrar General; Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations; and Walid Kule, Assistant Commissioner, Business Registration Services.
The IGG directed URSB Board Chairperson Rt. Hon. Butagira Francis to make immediate interim arrangements for the affected offices to ensure that the Bureau continues operating without disruption.
The Board has also been directed to ensure that URSB management and staff fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations and provide the necessary support to facilitate their completion.
The interdictions come amid increased scrutiny of the operations and management of the Bureau, a key government institution responsible for business registration, intellectual property administration and other statutory registration services.
With the Registrar General interdicted, Minister Nobert Mao has been instructed, in consultation with the URSB Board, to put in place interim arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted discharge of the functions of the Registrar General throughout the period of interdiction.
The directive also affects URSB’s planned residential Executive Training at the National Leadership Training Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, which had been scheduled to run from Sunday, August 16, to Friday, August 21, 2026.
The Minister has been directed to halt the training, with the IG stating that it should remain suspended until the investigations are concluded or further guidance is issued.
Despite the interdictions, the IG has directed the URSB Board to ensure that the Bureau’s services continue without an operational vacuum.
The Board is therefore required to establish appropriate interim arrangements for the functions previously handled by the interdicted officials in accordance with applicable laws.
The Inspectorate of Government has reiterated its call for public officials to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.
The allegations against the four officials remain subject to investigation, and the interdiction does not in itself constitute a finding of criminal or administrative liability.
The IG has urged all relevant officials at URSB to cooperate with the ongoing investigations as the Inspectorate seeks to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
