By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
The High Court has temporarily halted the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)’s recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer after current CEO Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega challenged the board’s refusal to renew his contract.
The court order issued on Monday, June 29, 2026, stops the authority from proceeding with the search, shortlisting or appointment of a new CEO until determination of a legal application filed by Kaddunabbi contesting the board’s decision.
Kaddunabbi, who has served at the helm of the regulator for several years, argues that the process leading to the non-renewal of his contract was irregular, unfair and inconsistent with principles of lawful administrative action.
Through his lawyers, he contends that the IRA board failed to accord him a fair hearing before resolving not to extend his tenure, prompting him to seek judicial intervention to suspend the transition process.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority had already initiated recruitment procedures to identify new leadership following expiry of Kaddunabbi’s term, a move that attracted attention within Uganda’s financial and insurance sectors due to the strategic importance of the regulator.
During Kaddunabbi’s tenure, the IRA supervised significant reforms in Uganda’s insurance industry, including expansion of digital regulation systems, stricter compliance oversight and campaigns aimed at improving insurance penetration nationwide.
The court’s intervention now creates uncertainty around the authority’s leadership transition and could delay ongoing administrative and policy processes at the regulator until the legal dispute is resolved.
Legal observers say the case may shape future governance standards regarding contract renewals and executive appointments within Uganda’s statutory authorities and independent regulators.
Neither the IRA board nor Kaddunabbi had publicly issued detailed comments on the dispute by Tuesday evening, although court records indicate both sides are preparing for substantive hearings in the coming days.
The matter is expected to return before the High Court for further proceedings as the legal battle over the future leadership of the Insurance Regulatory Authority continues.
