UNMC moves to fill CEO, Company Secretary posts after IGG interdictions

What the report says

The Uganda National Mining Company (UNMC) has moved to appoint interim leadership for its Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary roles after the Inspectorate of Government ordered the interdiction of the previous officeholders, according to The Independent Uganda. The report says the changes are being handled on an acting basis while investigations continue.

Sources cited by the publisher said Dr Lyoidah Kiconco, currently head of exploration and new ventures at the Uganda National Oil Company, is expected to be seconded to UNMC as acting chief executive officer. Loyola Rwabose Karobwa, a senior legal officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, is reported to be lined up as acting company secretary. The newspaper said the arrangement was agreed between the minister of energy and mineral development and the UNMC board.

The posts became vacant after the Inspectorate of Government on 22 October 2026 directed the UNMC board chairperson to interdict CEO Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi and Chief Corporate and Legal Affairs Officer and Company Secretary Lelia K. Bwambale. The watchdog said the move was intended to support inquiries into allegations including maladministration, financial mismanagement and abuse of office.

UNMC was created under Uganda’s Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, as a state-owned company to manage government commercial interests in the mining sector. The personnel changes matter because they affect the company’s top executive and governance functions at a time when it remains under scrutiny.