IGG Directs Minister Mao to Interdict URSB Boss Kainobwisho and Reinstate Whistleblower

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has renewed its pressure on the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, directing him to enforce the immediate interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General, Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho, alongside three other top executives.

According to a statement issued by the anti-corruption watchdog, the directive also targets Mr. Alex Anganya (Deputy Registrar General), Mr. Arthur Kwesiga (Commissioner ICT and Innovations), and Mr. Walid Kule (Assistant Commissioner, Business Registration Services). The officials are facing serious allegations, including embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering, and maladministration.

The investigation into the URSB leadership originally commenced in August 2026. The IG maintains that interdicting the officials is a necessary step to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations and prevent any potential interference with evidence or witnesses.

However, the Inspectorate faulted Minister Mao for previously opting to place the accused executives on mandatory leave instead of formal interdiction. The watchdog noted that the leave period has since exceeded statutory limits. Furthermore, the IG criticized the minister for unfairly targeting Mr. Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, by placing him on forced leave despite not being under investigation.

The IG emphasized that Mr. Agaba is a protected whistleblower under Section 9(1) of the Whistleblowers Protection Act (Cap. 34), which shields individuals from workplace victimization and discrimination. Consequently, the Inspectorate has invoked constitutional powers to order Mr. Agaba’s immediate reinstatement to full active duties at the bureau.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.