The outgoing Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) CEO Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega has turned to the High Court, challenging the authority’s decision not to extend his five-year contract.
Kaddunabbi, who has led the regulator for 16 years, argues that he was denied a fair hearing before the board decided in February 2026 not to recommend him for a second term.
He says his record marked by growth in insurance premiums, regional expansion, and digital reforms entitles him to a renewal.
In response, IRA and former board chair Dr. Isaac Nkote Nabeta have asked the court to dismiss the case, saying it is now irrelevant.
They point out that Kaddunabbi’s contract expired on May 31, 2026, and Protazio Sande was appointed acting CEO on June 1.
IRA’s legal team led by Kenneth Mugira and John Musiime argue that reinstating the contract is legally impossible and could create confusion by having two people claim leadership simultaneously.
The authority also cites governance concerns flagged in audits and internal reviews, including alleged unauthorised salary adjustments, irregular staff recruitment, and monetisation of leave without policy approval.
Kaddunabbi maintains that these investigations were influenced by complaints and social media reports aimed at blocking his reappointment.
Justice Joyce Kavuma has directed both parties to submit written arguments, with the next court session scheduled for June 12, 2026.
Kaddunabbi was first appointed as CEO in May 2011 and re-appointed on August 25, 2016, under section 21(2)(a) of the Insurance Act, Cap 213, which did not set any term limits for the position.
The law was later replaced by the Insurance Act of 2017, which introduced a limit of two five-year terms for the CEO.
In May 2021, Kaddunabbi was re-appointed for another five-year term. He argues that the 2017 Act, which introduced term limits, should not apply retroactively to his previous two terms, making him eligible for yet another term.
