Norbert Mao appoints Mustapher Ntale to lead Uganda Registration Services Bureau amid Corruption Probe

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has appointed Deputy Registrar General Mustapher Ntale to oversee the operations of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) as investigations into alleged corruption, embezzlement and mismanagement at the institution continue.

Ntale will act as Registrar General, taking over from Mercy Kainobwisho, who was among five senior URSB officials asked to step aside to allow investigations to proceed. The other officials affected include Alex Anganya, Arthur Kwesiga, Gilbert Agaba, and Walid Kule.

Mao directed Ntale to coordinate URSB operations, perform the duties of the Registrar General, and ensure that affected offices continue functioning by assigning officers to fill temporary vacancies.

The move follows President Yoweri Museveni’s July 24, 2026 directive ordering a comprehensive audit into alleged financial irregularities, abuse of office, and mismanagement at URSB. The investigation is being conducted by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) with support from State House auditors.

Mao said the decision to place the officials on mandatory leave, rather than immediately interdict them, was meant to allow investigations to take place while maintaining uninterrupted service delivery at the bureau.

Authorities are expected to use the findings of the probe to determine the next course of action regarding the officials and the management of URSB.