Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has appointed Mustapher Ntale, Deputy Registrar General in charge of Registries, as acting Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

The move follows the placement of substantive Registrar General Mercy Kainobwisho on forced leave to allow investigations into alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of office.

Ntale formally took over the role on Monday, 17 August 2026, and will hold it until further notice.

Mao said the decision aligns with President Museveni’s directive for an audit of URSB, with the Inspector General of Government leading the probe assisted by presidential auditors.

Mao instructed Ntale to perform all Registrar General duties and to assign officers to cover positions of other staff also sent on mandatory leave.

Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala directed Mao to interdict Kainobwisho and three senior officials: Deputy Registrar General Aganya Alex, Commissioner for ICT and Innovations Kwesiga Arthur, and Assistant Commissioner for Business Registration Services Kule Walid.

The interdictions stem from President Museveni’s 24 July letter ordering an investigation into claims of funds embezzlement, abuse of office, institutional mismanagement, money laundering and maladministration.

The President also asked for URSB Board Chairman Butagira to be brought to him.

The formal interdiction decision was reached at a meeting convened by Mao with senior ministry officials and the URSB Board.

The IGG further ordered the suspension of URSB’s planned Executive Training at NALI, Kyankwanzi (16–21 August), and directed Board Chairperson Francis K. Butagira to ensure service continuity and full cooperation with the investigations.

Mao explained that the allegations originated from internal sources, were escalated by the Attorney General to the President, and prompted the 24 July directive that reached his office on 5 August.