By Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Museveni has directed that five senior officials at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) be sent on forced leave as investigations into alleged corruption, financial impropriety and abuse of office get underway.
Those reportedly affected are Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho; Commissioner for Business Registration Gilbert Agaba; Deputy Registrar General for Finance and Administration Alex Anganya; Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Walid Kule; and Commissioner for ICT Arthur Kwesiga.
The officials reportedly received letters placing them on leave on Friday, August 14, shortly after forensic auditors arrived at the URSB headquarters in Kampala.
In a July 24 letter to Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, Museveni directed that the officials step aside and ordered an immediate audit into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and abuse of office.
The President further directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to lead the investigation, with support from State House auditors Kawawa and Tumwiine. He also instructed his Principal Private Secretary to summon URSB Board Chairman Ambassador Francis Butagira.
The directive comes as forensic auditors examine the affairs of the government agency amid allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, URSB confirmed that an audit is underway, saying it is being conducted “in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.”
The Bureau did not directly confirm reports that the five officials had been sent on forced leave, nor did it comment on the specific allegations under investigation.
URSB, however, assured the public that its operations remain normal and that service delivery has not been affected.
The Bureau said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and professionalism, adding that it will provide further information where appropriate once the relevant processes are concluded.
