Five senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) have reportedly been sent on forced leave as investigations into alleged corruption, financial impropriety and abuse of office continue.
Those affected reportedly include Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho; Commissioner for Business Registration Gilbert Agaba; Deputy Registrar General for Finance and Administration Alex Anganya; Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Walid Kule; and Commissioner for ICT Arthur Kwesiga.
The officials reportedly received letters placing them on leave on Friday, August 14, shortly after forensic auditors arrived at URSB headquarters in Kampala.
In a July 24 letter to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, President Yoweri Museveni directed that the officials be sent on forced leave and ordered an immediate audit into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office.
Museveni also directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to lead the investigation, with support from State House auditors Kawawa and Tumwiine. His Principal Private Secretary was further instructed to summon URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Francis Butagira.
The developments come as forensic auditors conduct an audit into the affairs of the Bureau.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, URSB confirmed that an audit is underway, saying it is being conducted “in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.”
The Bureau did not directly comment on reports that the five officials had been sent on forced leave or on the allegations against them.
URSB assured the public that its operations remain normal and that “service delivery remains uninterrupted.”
The Bureau added that it remains committed to transparency, accountability and professionalism and will provide further information where appropriate after the relevant processes are concluded.
