IGG Orders Interdiction of URSB Registrar General, 3 Senior Officials Over Corruption Allegations

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has directed the immediate interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho as investigations into allegations of corruption at the government agency get underway.

In a press statement dated August 18, 2026, the IGG directed Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao to interdict Kainobwisho pending investigations into allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.

The Inspectorate of Government said the interdiction is intended to ensure that the investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest.

The directive is anchored in Article 230 of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the IGG to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in the course of investigations.

Mao has also been directed, in consultation with the URSB Board, to put in place interim arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted discharge of the functions of the Registrar General.

The Justice Minister has further been directed to halt URSB’s scheduled residential Executive Training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, which was scheduled to run from August 16 to 21.

According to the IGG, the training will remain suspended until the investigations are concluded or further guidance is issued.

Three More URSB Officials Affected

In a separate directive, the IGG ordered the URSB Board Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Francis Butagira, to interdict three other senior officials pending completion of investigations into allegations of corruption against them.

They are Deputy Registrar General Alex Aganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.

The URSB Board has been directed to make appropriate interim arrangements for the affected offices to ensure continuity of services and prevent an operational vacuum.

The Board, management and staff have also been directed to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations and provide the necessary support to facilitate their completion.

The latest action comes amid an expanding corruption probe at URSB. Earlier reports indicated that several senior officials had been sent on leave as forensic auditors examined allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office at the Bureau.

The IGG has reiterated its call for all public officials to uphold transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.

The investigations are ongoing, and the allegations against the affected officials have not been determined by a court.