URSB CORRUPTION PROBE! IGG Renews Interdiction Order Against Kainobwisho, 3 Bosses
Critics Question IGG’s Priorities, Say More Energy Is Being Spent on Interdictions Than Probing Allegations
KAMPALA: The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has renewed pressure on Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) board to interdict Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption, embezzlement of government funds and abuse of office.
The fresh directive has, however, sparked questions about the direction of the probe, with some critics arguing that the Inspectorate appears to be putting more energy into securing interdictions than investigating and establishing the allegations against the officials.
The concerns come amid renewed attention to the allegations, which Red Pepper previously reported exclusively here https://redpepper.co.ug/the-truth-how-ursb-commissioner-gilbert-agabas-war-with-management-prompted-m7-to-fire-top-officials/150518/.
The allegations remain unproven, and the officials are entitled to due process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Inspectorate directed Mao to enforce its earlier order against Kainobwisho, while URSB Board Chairperson Francis Butagira was instructed to immediately interdict Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Arthur Kwesiga, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Walid Kule.
The directive marks a fresh escalation in the standoff between the anti-corruption agency and the officials responsible for implementing its orders.
The Inspectorate said it had issued the initial directive in August 2026 over allegations including embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at URSB.
However, according to the IG, Mao placed the four officials on mandatory leave instead of interdicting them, and they have remained away from their offices since then.
The Inspectorate now wants the interdiction orders enforced, arguing that the measure is necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations.
“The interdiction was intended to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted without interference and in the public interest,” the statement reads.
But critics say the repeated emphasis on interdiction raises a bigger question: When will the investigations establish what actually happened, who was responsible and whether public funds were lost?
They argue that while interdiction may be necessary to prevent possible interference with investigations, it should not become the headline outcome of a corruption probe whose substantive findings the public is still waiting to see.
The Inspectorate has not, in the statement, announced final findings establishing wrongdoing by the four officials. The allegations have not been proved in court.
The renewed directive also extends beyond the four officials under investigation, bringing another URSB personnel dispute into the spotlight.
The IG has directed Butagira to reinstate Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, who was reportedly placed on mandatory leave despite not being a subject of the investigations.
The Inspectorate described Agaba’s forced leave as irregular and accused Mao of victimising him.
“Rt. Hon. Butagira has been further directed to ensure that Mr. Agaba Gilbert… resumes the full functions and duties of the office of the Commissioner, Business Registration at the Bureau with immediate effect,” the statement says.
The IG cited Section 9 of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees who make protected disclosures. The law identifies suspension and other discriminatory measures as possible forms of victimisation.
The Inspectorate also invoked Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act as the legal basis for issuing its directives.
The provisions empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary and appropriate in carrying out the institution’s mandate.
The latest developments leave Mao and the URSB board under pressure to implement the directives, while the wider corruption allegations remain under investigation.
For critics, however, the key test will not simply be whether the officials are interdicted, but whether the investigation delivers credible findings, identifies any wrongdoing and leads to appropriate action where evidence supports it.
The Inspectorate has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and due process, saying it will continue executing its mandate while upholding the principles of natural justice.
The outstanding question remains whether the renewed administrative action will be matched by clear progress in establishing the facts behind the allegations.
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