The Inspectorate of Government has directed the Uganda National Mining Company’s board to immediately interdict Gerald Banaga-Baingi, its chief executive, and Lelia K. Bwambale, its chief corporate and legal affairs officer and company secretary.
The Inspectorate is investigating allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement and abuse of office involving the two officials.
In a statement dated 22 October, it said the interdictions were intended to facilitate the investigation. The board chairperson has been directed to make interim arrangements to keep the two offices functioning.
The order comes less than a month after the Energy ministry announced the departure of UNMC chair James Mukasa Ssebugenyi and his deputy, James Byagaba, citing measures to address governance and management challenges. Maria Kiwanuka was appointed acting chairperson.
On the same day, this website reported, citing insiders, that the Finance ministry had ordered a governance audit amid a dispute between UNMC’s management and board. The report detailed allegations concerning procurement, recruitment and relations between management and directors.
The Inspectorate’s statement does not say whether its investigation is connected to that audit or to any of the matters previously reported. It does not identify the individual allegations against Banaga-Baingi and Bwambale.
UNMC was created under the Mining and Minerals Act 2022 to manage the government’s commercial interests and participating stakes in mining licences. The board must now make interim arrangements while the Inspectorate’s investigation proceeds.
