Uganda’s anti-graft watchdog ordered the immediate interdiction of state-owned Uganda National Mining Company Chief Executive Officer Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi and legal chief Lelia K. Bwambale on October 22, 2026, citing ongoing corruption and financial mismanagement investigations.
Inspectorate Directs Executive Suspension Over Graft Allegations
The Inspectorate of Government directed the Board Chairperson of the Uganda National Mining Company to immediately step aside its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi, and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer, Ms Lelia K. Bwambale. Released on October 22, 2026, the official directive aims to protect the integrity of investigations concerning allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office.
To prevent an operational standstill at the state enterprise, the anti-graft agency instructed the board chairperson to establish interim management structures immediately. Grounded in Article 230(2) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act (Cap 32), the order empowers the Inspector General of Government to issue required instructions while active probes are underway.
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.
Inspectorate of Government, Official Statement
Implementation Friction Follows the Interdiction Order
Despite the official directive issued on October 22, 2026, sources familiar with operations at the state-owned enterprise reported that Dr Banaga-Baingi and Ms Bwambale were still in office on Friday, October 23. Officials close to the chief executive officer stated he had not yet received the interdiction paperwork by Friday morning, leaving the immediate implementation status unclear as the board remained publicly silent on the delay.
The leadership friction arrives as the company faces administrative turbulence. Earlier changes in board leadership saw the resignation of Chairperson James Mukasa Ssebugenyi and the departure of his deputy, James Byagaba. Former Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka subsequently stepped in as acting board chairperson.
The state-owned company previously disputed its inclusion on a list of defaulters regarding Shs 46.5 million in mineral rent. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development later acknowledged that the listing was erroneous.
Mandate and Strategic Portfolio of the State Mining Firm
Established in April 2024 under the Mining and Minerals Act of 2022, the company manages the government’s commercial equity interests across the mining sector. Dr Banaga-Baingi assumed the chief executive role on May 1, 2025, tasked with expanding state participation in mineral development.
Before his executive appointment, Dr Banaga-Baingi worked as a resource economist, initially functioning as a Data Control Officer at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation under the Kampala Revenue Improvement Project. Afterward, he moved to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, advancing steadily through the hierarchy.
The enterprise oversees a statutory 15 percent free-carried interest in medium- and large-scale mining licences alongside potential paid equity acquisitions.
- Kilembe Mines, containing copper and cobalt deposits
- Wagagai Gold Project
- Makuutu Rare Earth Project
- Sukulu Phosphate and Steel Project
- Moroto clinker and cement production project
Beyond state stakes, the firm is mandated to engage directly in commercial mining through joint ventures and production-sharing agreements while supporting infrastructure for mineral trading and beneficiation.