The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) together with its former Board Chairperson, Dr. Isaac Nkote Nabeta, has urged the High Court to throw out a judicial review case filed by outgoing Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega, saying the matter has already been overtaken by events after the expiry of his contract.
In documents submitted before the Civil Division of the High Court on Monday, the Authority argues that Kaddunabbi’s tenure officially came to an end on May 31, 2026, and therefore there is no existing employment contract for court intervention. The respondents further note that the Minister of Finance has already appointed Protazio Sande as Acting Chief Executive Officer effective June 1, 2026.
Represented by Denton Advocates led by Counsel John Musiime, the IRA and Dr. Nkote maintain that the interim orders being sought by Kaddunabbi are no longer practical because the leadership transition at the regulator has already taken place.
According to Francesca N. Kakooza, the Secretary to the Board, Kaddunabbi was serving under a fixed five-year contract running from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2026, which expired automatically in line with the law. She states that before the contract ended, the Board instructed him to take leave and complete the handover process, which has since been finalized.
The Authority warns that reinstating Kaddunabbi or granting his application would create confusion at the regulator by effectively placing two individuals in charge of the same office at the same time, potentially disrupting operations and management of public resources.
Kaddunabbi is challenging the Board’s February 16, 2026 decision not to recommend him for another term as CEO. He argues that the process was unfair and claims he deserved reappointment based on his performance record and what he describes as a legitimate expectation for contract renewal.
Court filings indicate that Kaddunabbi has led the insurance regulator since 2011, first under the Uganda Insurance Commission before it transitioned into the IRA, giving him a total of 16 years in leadership. He cites achievements such as growth in insurance premiums, digitization initiatives, regional expansion, and infrastructure development as evidence of his successful stewardship.
However, the Authority insists that being eligible for consideration does not automatically entitle one to renewal, emphasizing that the Board and the Minister have discretionary powers under the law regarding appointments.
The respondents also reference concerns raised during internal audits and governance reviews, including allegations of salary enhancements made without authorization, recruitment conducted outside Board approval, and leave monetization practices allegedly unsupported by policy guidelines.
According to the affidavits, additional concerns emerged following a whistleblower complaint and findings contained in an Auditor General’s report. The Authority says Kaddunabbi was given an opportunity to respond to the issues during an extraordinary Board meeting held on May 25, 2026.
Dr. Nkote has denied accusations of bias or personal hostility, stating that every step taken by the Board followed statutory procedures and collective resolutions. He further argues that Kaddunabbi was excluded from discussions concerning his own contract in order to avoid conflict of interest.
The Authority also notes that the Board’s decision not to recommend renewal was reached through a majority vote of five members against three, dismissing claims that the outcome was driven by individual interests.
On his part, Kaddunabbi alleges that the process lacked fairness, claiming he was sidelined from critical deliberations and that investigations into his conduct were influenced by complaints and social media campaigns allegedly aimed at blocking his return.
The respondents have now asked court to dismiss the case with costs, arguing that Kaddunabbi has not demonstrated any irreparable damage and that any losses, if proven, can be compensated through damages.
When the matter appeared before Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma on Monday, the parties were directed to file written submissions by June 5 and June 10, 2026, respectively. The case will return to court on June 12, 2026, for further directions.
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