A tense administrative standoff has erupted at the Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC) following reports that the interdicted Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi, has refused to vacate his office despite a formal order from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).
The Inspector General of Government ordered the interdiction of Dr. Banaga-Baingi alongside UNMC Corporation Secretary Lelia K. Bwambale to facilitate an unhindered, comprehensive inquiry into the state-owned enterprise’s management and financial operations.
However, sources within the company indicate that Dr. Banaga-Baingi remains in his office at the corporation’s headquarters, raising concerns among investigators over the potential compromise or concealment of vital institutional records and evidence.
Insiders attribute the operational impasse to a delay by the UNMC Board of Directors, chaired by former Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka, in formally serving the interdiction letters to the affected executives.
Mrs. Kiwanuka reportedly cited procedural guidance from the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, requesting a temporary hold on formal execution, even as the ombudsman’s directive was published through official public communication channels.
The escalating confrontation has drawn the attention of the military leadership and anti-corruption crusaders.
According to veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, backed the ombudsman’s enforcement action, warning that defiance of statutory authority will not be tolerated.
Gen. Kainerugaba affirmed full support for the IGG’s intervention, advising the interdicted CEO to comply immediately with the directive and step aside, or risk forcible eviction by state security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF.
The Uganda National Mining Company was incorporated under the Mining and Minerals Act to hold state equity, oversee mineral agreements, and drive commercial value across Uganda’s extractive industries.
Neither Dr. Banaga-Baingi nor the board leadership has issued an official rejoinder regarding the standoff as the IGG prepares to enforce compliance.
 following reports that the interdicted Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi, has refused to vacate his office despite a formal order from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).){kind=link}