Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1138 EAT on Tuesday 2 June 2026

The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) and its former board chairperson, Dr Isaac Nkote Nabeta, have asked the High Court to dismiss a judicial review application filed by the authority’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega.

The respondents argue that the case has been overtaken by events following the expiry of Kaddunabbi’s employment contract and the subsequent appointment of a new acting CEO.

In affidavits filed before the Civil Division of the High Court on Monday, IRA and Dr Nkote contend that there is no longer a contract for the court to preserve or reinstate, as Kaddunabbi’s five-year term officially expired on May 31, 2026.

Through their lawyers from Dentons Advocates, led by counsel John Musiime, the respondents further submit that the Minister of Finance has since appointed Protazio Sande as Acting Chief Executive Officer with effect from June 1, 2026. They argue that this development renders the interim relief sought by Kaddunabbi legally untenable and devoid of practical effect.

The respondents maintain that the court cannot grant orders aimed at preserving a contractual relationship that has already lapsed by operation of time, urging the court to dismiss the application with costs.

According to IRA Board Secretary Francesca N. Kakooza, Kaddunabbi’s contract was a fixed five-year term running from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2026, and therefore expired automatically by operation of law.

Kakooza states that, in anticipation of the contract’s expiry, the board directed Kaddunabbi to proceed on leave and undertake the requisite handover process, which has since been completed.

The authority further argues that granting the application would create an “absurd situation” in which two individuals simultaneously claim authority over the regulator, potentially undermining governance structures and disrupting the management of public resources.

Kaddunabbi is challenging the board’s February 16, 2026 decision not to recommend him for a second term as chief executive officer. He contends that the decision was reached without affording him a fair hearing, despite what he describes as a strong performance record and a legitimate expectation that his contract would be renewed.

Court records indicate that Kaddunabbi has led Uganda’s insurance sector regulator since 2011, first as head of the Uganda Insurance Commission before its transition into the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda. His tenure spans a combined 16 years at the helm of the institution, making him one of the longest-serving chief executives in the sector.

Kaddunabbi argues that his track record at the authority—including growth in insurance premium collections, implementation of digital transformation reforms, expansion of regional operations, and infrastructure development—made him well qualified for reappointment.

However, the authority maintains that while he was eligible for consideration, such eligibility did not automatically confer a right to contract renewal. It argues that both the board and the minister retain discretionary powers under the law in matters relating to appointments and reappointments.

The respondents also cite a series of governance concerns identified through internal reviews and audit processes. These include allegations of unauthorised salary enhancements, recruitment of staff without board approval, and the monetisation of leave without a supporting policy framework.

In addition, they contend that a whistleblower-triggered investigation and a subsequent Auditor General’s report raised further concerns regarding the authority’s management. According to affidavits filed before court, Kaddunabbi was afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations during an extraordinary board meeting held on May 25, 2026.

Board Chairman Paul Nkote has dismissed claims of bias or personal vendetta, insisting that all actions taken were guided by board resolutions and statutory obligations. He further maintains that Kaddunabbi was appropriately excluded from deliberations concerning his own contract in line with established governance principles.

The authority further contends that the board’s decision was reached through a five-to-three majority vote, underscoring that it reflected the collective judgment of the board rather than the preference of any single individual.

Kaddunabbi, however, has challenged the process, alleging procedural unfairness. He argues that he was excluded from critical deliberations and claims that investigations into his conduct were influenced by complaints and social media allegations allegedly aimed at undermining the renewal of his contract.

The respondents have asked the court to dismiss the application with costs, maintaining that Kaddunabbi has failed to demonstrate any irreparable harm. They further argue that any losses he may have suffered can be adequately remedied through an award of damages.

When the matter came before Justice Joyce Kavuma on Monday, the court directed both parties to file their written submissions by June 5 and June 10, respectively. The case was subsequently adjourned to June 12, 2026, for further directions.

-Observer

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