IGG Directs Interdiction of State Mining Company Boss and Legal Chief Over Graft Probe

The Inspectorate of Government has formally ordered the Board Chairperson of the Uganda National Mining Company to immediately interdict Chief Executive Officer Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer Ms Lelia K. Bwambale. The directive follows serious allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office levelled against the two senior executives.

According to the anti-graft watchdog, the interdiction is designed to guarantee uninterrupted investigations into the conduct of the officials. To prevent any operational paralysis at the state-owned enterprise, the Inspectorate has urged the board to quickly institute interim management structures to oversee executive duties while the inquiries are ongoing.

The anti-corruption agency grounded its instructions in Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, alongside Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act. These legal provisions grant the Inspector General of Government the authority to issue binding directives during active investigations to safeguard public interest and prevent potential interference from suspects.

Dr Banaga-Baingi took the helm as CEO of the state mining company on May 1, 2025. The enterprise, formed under the Mining and Minerals Act of 2022, is tasked with overseeing Uganda’s commercial equity interests within the mining sector. Prior to his appointment, Dr Banaga-Baingi worked with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and later built his career within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

Read more details in the Daily Monitor.