The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has accused the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, of defying its directive to interdict Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over alleged corruption at the institution.
The Inspectorate has directed Mao to enforce the earlier interdiction order against Kainobwisho. It has also instructed URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira to immediately interdict Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
According to the Inspectorate, it issued the directive in August 2026 to facilitate investigations into allegations of embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.
However, the IGG says Mao instead placed the four officials on mandatory leave, a decision it argues has kept them away from their offices beyond their statutory leave entitlements.
“The interdiction was intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest,” the Inspectorate said in a statement.
The latest directive puts pressure on Mao to implement the IG’s orders as investigations into the alleged irregularities at the government agency continue.
The Inspectorate has also faulted the minister for allegedly compelling Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, to take mandatory leave despite him not being a subject of the investigations.
The IGG has directed Butagira to ensure that Agaba immediately resumes the full functions and duties of his office.
It argues that sending Agaba on mandatory leave amounted to victimisation under the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits employers and other persons from subjecting individuals to adverse treatment for making protected disclosures.
“Hon. Mao, therefore, victimised Mr. Agaba by placing him on mandatory leave,” the Inspectorate said.
The IGG cited Section 9 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits the victimisation of whistleblowers, including through suspension and other discriminatory or adverse measures against employees who make protected disclosures.
It also invoked Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions deemed necessary and appropriate in carrying out the office’s mandate.
The directive comes amid growing scrutiny of URSB’s management, with the Inspectorate maintaining that the interdiction of the four officials is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice as it continues to execute its mandate.
