news 22 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mining Company Executives Interdicted Over Graft Allegations
Uganda's Inspectorate of Government has ordered the suspension of the CEO and Chief Legal Officer of the Uganda National Mining Company pending investigations into corruption and mismanagement. The move is intended to ensure a thorough and interference-free probe into serious allegations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/igg-orders-interdiction-of-state-mining-company-boss-legal-chief-over-graft-probe--5642348
Senior leadership at the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC) is stepping aside following a directive from the Inspectorate of Government (IG). CEO Dr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer Ms. Lelia K. Bwambale have been interdicted to allow for unimpeded investigations into allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office.
The anti-graft body issued the order on Thursday, October 22, 2026, emphasizing that the suspension is crucial for the integrity of the ongoing probe. This action aims to prevent any potential interference with the investigative process and ensure public confidence in the administration of justice.
The IG has also instructed the UNMC Board Chairperson to promptly establish interim management to ensure the company’s operations continue without disruption. This ensures that the state-owned enterprise, which manages Uganda’s commercial interests in the mining sector, maintains its executive functions during the investigation period.
This directive is grounded in the constitutional powers vested in the Inspector General of Government, specifically Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act. These provisions grant the IG the authority to issue necessary orders during investigations.
Dr. Banaga-Baingi, a resource economist, took the helm as CEO of UNMC on May 1, 2025. The company itself was established under the Mining and Minerals Act of 2022. His previous roles included service at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.