URSB Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho interdicted over corruption allegations

The Inspector General of Government, Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala, has ordered the immediate interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three senior officials. The directive follows deepening investigations into allegations of embezzlement of government funds, money laundering, abuse of office, and institutional mismanagement.

Justice Batala instructed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to implement the suspension to ensure investigations proceed without interference. Mao has also been directed to coordinate with the URSB Board to establish interim arrangements so that the agency's functions continue uninterrupted.

This move follows a previous State House directive from July 2026, in which President Yoweri Museveni ordered several senior URSB officials to step aside pending an audit. The audit was prompted by concerns regarding governance and financial management raised by URSB Commissioner for Business Registration Gilbert Agaba.