The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has appointed Dr. Protazio Sande as its acting Chief Executive Officer following the exit of Al Hajji Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega, whose contract expired on May 31, 2026 and was not renewed.
Dr. Sande, who previously served as Director for Strategy and Market Development at the Authority, assumed office on June 1 in an acting capacity.
In a statement, the IRA Board said the appointment is intended to ensure operational continuity and stable leadership during the transition period.
“The appointment of Dr. Sande, who is substantively the Director Strategy and Market Development, will ensure continuity of operations and effective discharge of the Authority’s mandate,” the Board said.
The board expressed confidence in Dr. Sande’s leadership, noting that his experience and institutional knowledge would support the Authority in maintaining stability and advancing the growth of Uganda’s insurance sector.
“The Authority remains fully committed to its mandate of regulating, supervising and promoting a sound, competitive and inclusive insurance sector in Uganda,” the statement added.
Kaddunabbi’s exit marks the end of a 16-year tenure at the helm of the regulator, where he is credited with strengthening insurance regulation, expanding market development, and improving policyholder protection.
However, his departure comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in which he has challenged the decision not to renew his contract. Kaddunabbi recently filed a case in the High Court, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing before the Board resolved in February 2026 not to extend his tenure.
He maintains that his track record, which includes growth in insurance premiums, regional expansion, and digital reforms, justified his reappointment.
In response, the IRA and former Board Chair Dr. Isaac Nkote Nabeta asked court to dismiss the matter, arguing that it has been overtaken by events following the expiry of Kaddunabbi’s contract and the appointment of an acting CEO.
The authority’s legal team, led by Kenneth Mugira and John Musiime, further argued that reinstating the contract would create a leadership conflict, with two individuals potentially claiming authority over the regulator.
IRA has also cited governance concerns raised in internal reviews and audits, including alleged unauthorised salary adjustments, irregular staff recruitment, and monetisation of leave without approved policy frameworks.
Kaddunabbi, however, dismissed the allegations, arguing that they were influenced by external complaints and social media reports aimed at frustrating his reappointment.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Kavuma, has directed both parties to file written submissions. The matter will return to court on June 12, 2026.
Kaddunabbi was first appointed CEO in May 2011 and reappointed in August 2016 under the Insurance Act, Cap 213, which did not impose term limits. However, the Insurance Act of 2017 later introduced a maximum of two five-year terms for the position.
He was reappointed in 2021 for another five-year term and argues that the 2017 law should not be applied retrospectively to his earlier tenure, maintaining that he remains eligible for further consideration.
