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 to allow investigations into allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Inspectorate said the directive had been communicated to the company’s board chairperson, who was also instructed to make interim arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted performance of the two officials’ duties.
The interdictions come amid governance challenges at the state-owned mining company, including disagreements at board level over budget approvals, concerns about inadequate capitalisation and a governance audit ordered by the Ministry of Finance.
UNMC has also undergone changes in board leadership. Chairperson James Mukasa Ssebugenyi resigned, while his deputy, James Byagaba, left the position. Former Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka subsequently took over as acting board chairperson.
The latest directive adds to scrutiny of the company as the Inspectorate investigates the allegations against its senior officials. The IG has not disclosed further details of the alleged misconduct or indicated how long the investigations are expected to take.
The Inspectorate cited Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap 32, as the legal basis for its action.
“The Inspector General of Government may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give such directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances,” the statement reads.
The Inspectorate said suspending officers under investigation from exercising their powers and functions was necessary to protect the integrity of the process and prevent possible interference.
“Public interest demands that while investigations against an officer are ongoing, he or she should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of the office to avoid interference with the investigations,” the statement added.
The investigations come against the backdrop of other administrative challenges involving UNMC.
The company recently disputed its inclusion on a list of defaulters over Shs 46.5 million in mineral rent, with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development later acknowledging that the listing was erroneous.
Established in April 2024 under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, UNMC is a state-owned company mandated to manage the government’s commercial interests in the mining industry, including its equity participation in mining projects.
Under the mining framework, the company manages the government’s interests in qualifying mining projects, including a statutory 15 per cent free-carried interest in medium- and large-scale mining licences, with an option for the government to acquire additional equity through paid participation.
Beyond managing government stakes, UNMC is mandated to participate directly in commercial mining through joint ventures, mineral production-sharing agreements and other local and international investments.
The company is also expected to support value addition by developing infrastructure across the mineral value chain, including mineral trading, beneficiation and buying centres to encourage local processing of Uganda’s priority minerals.
Its portfolio includes government participation in projects such as Kilembe Mines, which has copper and cobalt deposits; the Wagagai Gold Project; the Makuutu Rare Earth Project; the Sukulu Phosphate and Steel Project; and the Moroto clinker and cement production project.