The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is currently under interim leadership after five of its top officials, including Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, were directed to step aside on mandatory leave. This follows the launch of investigations into allegations of corruption and administrative misconduct within the institution.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has appointed Mustapher Ntale, the Deputy Registrar General in charge of Registries, to oversee the day-to-day running of URSB during the ongoing probe.
Ntale will coordinate operations across the affected departments and assign officers to temporarily handle responsibilities left vacant by the officials on leave.
The development comes after President Yoweri Museveni ordered a full audit into URSB’s operations. The investigation will examine allegations of embezzlement of public funds, abuse of office, money laundering, poor administration, and wider institutional mismanagement.
The officials sent on mandatory leave include Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, Deputy Registrar General Alex Anganya, Commissioner for ICT and Innovation Arthur Kwesiga, Commissioner for Registration Services Gilbert Agaba, and Assistant Commissioner Walid Kule.
The decision has triggered public debate, with many Ugandans taking to social media to question the approach taken by authorities. Some users argued that placing officials on mandatory leave instead of interdiction raises concerns about accountability, since interdiction is often associated with salary suspension while leave allows full pay to continue. Others, however, viewed the move as a procedural step meant to avoid prematurely judging the officials before investigations are concluded.
Minister Mao responded to the concerns, stating that the decision followed presidential guidance and was made before any consideration of interdiction.
“I have some little knowledge of English and I’m sure the President knows the difference between ‘leave’ and ‘interdiction’,” Mao said, dismissing the online criticism.
He also released a letter dated July 24, 2026, in which President Museveni instructed that the officials proceed on leave to allow the audit to proceed without interference.
The President further directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG), working together with State House auditors, to lead the investigation.
According to Mao, the arrangement is intended to protect the integrity of the probe while ensuring that URSB continues to operate without disruption.
For now, Mustapher Ntale remains in charge of the institution as the audit continues. The affected officials will await the outcome of the investigation and any further administrative action.
It is important to note that the allegations are still under investigation, and none of the officials has been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
