IG Orders Interdiction of Top Uganda National Mining Company Officials Over Alleged Mismanagement

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the immediate interdiction of Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC) Chief Executive Officer Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer Lelia K. Bwambale. The directive aims to pave the way for thorough investigations into ongoing allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office.

In an official statement released on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the IG communicated the directive to the company’s board chairperson. The board was further instructed to establish interim administrative arrangements to ensure that the duties of the two senior officials continue without interruption while the inquiries are underway.

The high-profile interdictions unfold against a backdrop of wider governance challenges at the state-owned enterprise. These include board-level disagreements over budget approvals, capitalization concerns, and a governance audit previously ordered by the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, the company has experienced leadership transitions, with former Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka taking over as acting board chairperson following the departures of former chairperson James Mukasa Ssebugenyi and his deputy, James Byagaba.

Invoking Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, the IG emphasized that suspending officials under active investigation is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the process and preventing potential interference. Established in April 2024 under the Mining and Minerals Act, UNMC holds the vital mandate of managing the government’s commercial interests and equity participation across major mining projects in Uganda.

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