The Inspectorate of Government has ordered the interdiction of Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC) Chief Executive Officer Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer Lelia K. Bwambale pending investigations into allegations of corruption, maladministration, financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Inspectorate directed the company’s board chairperson to interdict the two officials to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
The directive was made under Article 230(2) of the Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act.
The Inspectorate said the measure was necessary to protect the integrity of the investigations, while directing the board to put interim management arrangements in place to ensure the company continues operating.
The development follows recent changes in UNMC’s leadership, including the resignation of the board chairperson and the termination of the deputy chairperson’s appointment.
Established under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, UNMC manages the government’s commercial interests in the mining sector, including its statutory 15 per cent free-carried interest in medium- and large-scale mining projects.
Banaga-Baingi assumed the position of chief executive officer on May 1, 2025. He previously worked with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation before serving in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Makerere University and a master’s degree in Petroleum Energy Economics and Finance from the University of Dundee.
The interdiction is an administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Both officials remain entitled to the presumption of innocence as investigations continue.
The Inspectorate has not publicly disclosed further details of the specific allegations against the officials.
