national 19 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
URSB Boss Kainobwisho Replaced Amid Embezzlement Probe
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has appointed Mustapher Ntale as the acting Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) following the forced leave of Mercy Kainobwisho. The move comes as investigations into alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of office at the bureau are underway. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mao-replaces-ursb-boss-kainobwisho-amid-probe-into-alleged-funds-embezzlement-5563106
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, has appointed Mustapher Ntale as the acting Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
Ntale, who previously served as the Deputy Registrar General in charge of Registries, officially assumed his new role on Monday, August 17, 2026. This appointment is temporary and will remain in effect until further notice.
The decision follows the immediate placement of the substantive Registrar General, Mercy Kainobwisho, on forced leave. This measure is intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into serious allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office at the URSB.
Minister Mao’s directive to Ntale includes carrying out all functions of the Registrar General’s office. He is also tasked with appointing interim staff for positions vacated by officials sent on mandatory leave.
These actions stem from a directive by President Yoweri Museveni, ordering the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to lead an audit into the bureau’s activities. The investigation encompasses allegations of funds embezzlement, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering, and maladministration.
In addition to Kainobwisho, three other senior URSB officials have been interdicted by the IGG: Aganya Alex (Deputy Registrar General), Kwesiga Arthur (Commissioner, ICT and Innovations), and Kule Walid (Assistant Commissioner, Business Registration Services).
The IGG has also instructed the URSB Board Chairperson to ensure the continuity of services and prevent any operational disruptions during the investigation, urging full cooperation from all staff.
Minister Mao explained that the allegations were initially raised by internal sources before being escalated to the President, prompting the current investigation.