The Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Mercy K Kainobwisho, has underscored the bureau’s recent milestones, including international certification and expanded digital services, while sharing her personal journey and insights on leadership.
Speaking to Mildred Tuhaise during NBS People and Power on Sunday, Kainobwisho revealed that URSB has recently achieved ISO certification, a significant step in strengthening institutional credibility and service delivery standards.
“We have recently been ISO certified and have launched a number of products, especially digital solutions. Through our mass registration initiatives, we are now present in many parts of the country,” she said.
Kainobwisho reflected on her upbringing in Mbarara, describing her childhood as stable and supportive.
“I was raised by amazing parents in an average home where we had everything we needed. I don’t recall any hardship growing up,” she said.
She revealed that she attended Mary Hill High School for her early education and later pursued both her O-Level and A-Level studies at reputable institutions, which she credits for shaping her academic foundation.
Addressing the pressures faced by children from prominent families, Kainobwisho highlighted the often-overlooked issue of mental health.
“As parents, you should understand that your children face unique challenges because of your names and positions. Even a simple statement in school can cause emotional distress,” she said, calling for greater awareness and support systems for young people.
Initially aspiring to become an architect due to her passion for design and influence from a family member, Kainobwisho revealed that her career path took a different turn.
“I wanted to be an architect, and I still enjoy interior design. However, I was pushed to study law. At first, I felt I was doing it for my parents, but along the way, I began to love it and made it my own,” she said.
Kainobwisho said her entry into public service followed a competitive recruitment process, where she applied and interviewed with both the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“I chose the Ministry of Justice, where I was deployed in the Registrar General’s Department, which later evolved into URSB,” she said.
Kainobwisho emphasized that leadership is a continuous learning process and encouraged young professionals to consider careers in public service.
“Government may not offer the highest salaries, but it provides invaluable opportunities for growth, exposure, and impact. It remains one of the best employers for those seeking meaningful careers,” she said.
