The four officials are being investigated over alleged embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at the bureau.
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The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the interdiction of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho and three other senior officials over allegations of corruption, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, the IG directed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, to enforce an earlier directive issued in August to interdict Kainobwisho.
The IG also directed URSB Board chairperson Francis Butagira 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 four officials are being investigated over alleged embezzlement of government funds, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration at the bureau.
The IG said the interdictions were intended to allow investigations to proceed without interference and in the public interest.
However, instead of interdicting the officials as directed, Mao placed them on mandatory leave. They have remained on leave since then, exceeding their statutory leave entitlement, according to the IG.
The Inspectorate further directed Butagira to immediately reinstate Gilbert Agaba, the Commissioner for Business Registration Services, to the full functions and duties of his office.
Agaba had also been sent on mandatory leave by Mao, although he was not a subject of the investigations, the IG said.
The Inspectorate described the decision to send Agaba on forced leave as victimisation, citing provisions of the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which prohibit employers or other persons from subjecting whistleblowers to adverse treatment for making protected disclosures.
Section 9 of the Act identifies suspension and other discriminatory or adverse measures against an employee who makes a protected disclosure as forms of victimisation.
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The IG said its latest directives were grounded in Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, which empower the Inspector General of Government to issue orders and directions considered necessary in the execution of its mandate.
The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of natural justice as it carries out its investigations.
The allegations against the officials have not been established in court.
