Insurance Regulator appoints Protazio Sande acting CEO amid Kaddunabbi contract dispute

KAMPALA — The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) has appointed Dr Protazio Sande as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Alhaj Dr Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega whose contract expired on May 31, 2026, amid an ongoing court dispute over his non-renewal.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Authority’s Board of Directors announced that Dr Sande’s appointment took effect on June 1, 2026, under Clause 6.11(h) of the Human Capital Management Manual (2023).

“The Board of Directors of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Protazio Sande as the Acting Chief Executive Officer,” the statement reads.

Dr Sande, who has been serving as Director for Strategy and Market Development at the Authority, succeeds Kaddunabbi, whose five-year contract ended last Saturday.

The Board said the appointment is intended to ensure continuity of operations and effective discharge of the regulator’s mandate during the transition period.

“The Board is confident that Dr Sande’s expertise, leadership and institutional knowledge will ensure effective leadership at the Authority, maintain stability and steer growth of the insurance sector during the transition period,” the statement added.

The appointment comes at a time when Kaddunabbi is challenging the Board’s decision not to recommend him for another term as CEO.

In a judicial review application before the Civil Division of the High Court, Kaddunabbi is contesting the Board’s February 16, 2026 decision declining to support his reappointment. He argues that he was denied a fair hearing despite what he describes as a strong performance record and a legitimate expectation of contract renewal.

However, the IRA and its former Board Chairperson, Dr Isaac Nkote Nabeta, have asked the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the matter has effectively been overtaken by events following the expiry of Kaddunabbi’s contract and the appointment of a new acting chief executive.

In affidavits filed before the High Court on Monday through Denton Advocates, led by Counsel John Musiime, the Authority and Dr Nkote contend that there is no longer a contract available for the court to preserve or reinstate because Kaddunabbi’s tenure ended automatically by operation of law on May 31.

According to the Authority’s Secretary to the Board, Francesca Kakooza, Kaddunabbi’s contract was a fixed five-year term running from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2026.

She states that ahead of the contract’s expiry, the Board directed him to proceed on leave and complete a handover process, which has since been concluded.

The Authority argues that granting the orders sought by Kaddunabbi would create an untenable situation in which two individuals simultaneously claim authority over the regulator.

“The appointment of an Acting CEO effective June 1, 2026, makes the interim relief sought legally untenable,” the Authority argues in court documents.

Kaddunabbi, who has led Uganda’s insurance regulator since 2011, maintains that his performance justified reappointment. Court records indicate that he first served under the Uganda Insurance Commission before its transition into the IRA, giving him a combined 16 years at the helm of the sector regulator.

He cites growth in insurance premiums, digital transformation initiatives, expansion of regional operations and infrastructure development as some of the achievements recorded during his tenure.

But the Authority maintains that eligibility for consideration does not automatically translate into a right to contract renewal.

The respondents further argue that the law grants both the Board and the Minister of Finance discretion in decisions relating to the appointment and renewal of the chief executive officer.

Court filings also reference governance concerns raised during internal reviews and audits, including allegations of unauthorised salary increments, recruitment of staff without Board approval and monetisation of leave without policy backing.

The Authority says concerns arising from a whistleblower complaint and a subsequent Auditor General’s report were discussed during an extraordinary Board meeting held on May 25, at which Kaddunabbi was given an opportunity to respond.

Dr Nkote has denied allegations of bias or personal vendetta, maintaining that all decisions were taken collectively and in accordance with the Authority’s statutory mandate.

According to the respondents, the Board’s final position was reached through a five-to-three majority vote.

Kaddunabbi, however, alleges procedural unfairness, arguing that he was excluded from key deliberations and that investigations into his conduct were influenced by complaints and social media allegations intended to frustrate his chances of securing a second term.

As the legal battle unfolds, the IRA has sought to reassure stakeholders that its operations will continue uninterrupted.

The Board said it remains committed to regulating, supervising and promoting a sound, competitive and inclusive insurance sector.

It also paid tribute to Kaddunabbi’s contribution during his tenure, saying he played a significant role in advancing insurance regulation, market development and policyholder protection.

“The Board acknowledges the significant role Alhaj Dr Kaddunabbi has played in advancing insurance regulation, market development and policyholder protection during his tenure and extends its best wishes for success in his next assignments,” the statement said.

When the matter came before Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma on Monday, she directed the parties to file written submissions by June 5 and June 10 respectively and scheduled June 12, 2026, for further directions.

The outcome of the case could determine whether the dispute over Kaddunabbi’s exit ends with the expiry of his contract or proceeds to a substantive hearing on the legality of the Board’s decision not to recommend him for another term.