Museveni Orders Investigation Into URSB Over Alleged Misconduct

[Da Dona]

President Yoweri Museveni has ordered a sweeping investigation into the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) following allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and institutional mismanagement.

In a July 24 letter to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, Museveni directed several senior URSB officials, including Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho, to go on leave pending completion of an audit.

The Inspector General of Government was tasked with leading the investigation, assisted by State House auditors Kawawa and Tumwiine. Museveni also directed his Principal Private Secretary to bring URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Francis Butagira to him.

The investigation follows a long-running internal dispute involving URSB Commissioner for Business Registration Gilbert Agaba, whose management had accused him of poor supervision, failure to implement decisions and insubordination.

Agaba later turned the allegations against the institution, raising concerns over alleged criminal conduct and financial impropriety. He reportedly first approached the URSB board before taking similar complaints to the Economic Crimes Division of the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General.

URSB initially denied reports that senior officials had been sent on leave but on August 17 confirmed that an audit was underway.

The bureau said the exercise was being conducted according to established procedures and applicable laws, while assuring the public that its services remain uninterrupted.

The investigation now places one of Uganda’s key public agencies, responsible for business registration, intellectual property administration and other legal registration services, under heightened presidential scrutiny.

Nile post UG​