RETIREMENT COWARD! After 16 Years as CEO Kaddunabbi Runs To Gen. Saleh to Save his Job as IRA Moves On, Appoints Dr. Sande Interim Boss

A dramatic power struggle has erupted at Uganda’s insurance regulator after long-serving Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Chief Executive Officer Alhaj Dr. Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega turned to Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho Saleh for intervention as his contract expired and the Authority moved ahead with new leadership.

In a letter dated May 29, 2026, addressed to Gen. Saleh, Kaddunabbi made an urgent appeal seeking intervention regarding the renewal of his contract as CEO, which was due to expire on May 31, 2026.

The letter paints a picture of a man fighting to remain at the helm of the regulator after nearly 16 years in charge.

Kaddunabbi reminded Gen. Saleh of a meeting held on April 22, 2026, during which they reportedly discussed the matter. He then expressed concern about what he described as an increasingly uncertain situation.

“ Mukama wange, as I communicate, the situation seems very uncertain. I am now certain that PS/ST Mr. Ggoobi’s intention is to hit me and completely destroy me beyond. The circumstances at hand can only be managed by you, not by anyone else,” Kaddunabbi wrote.

The outgoing CEO appealed to the senior presidential adviser to intervene and ensure what he described as a fair process regarding the renewal of his contract.

He also highlighted his service to the NRM government and the insurance sector, saying he had participated in nation-building efforts and made personal sacrifices in service to the ruling party and the country.

In perhaps the most striking part of the letter, Kaddunabbi requested Gen. Saleh to convene a mediation meeting between himself and Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi.

“In view of the foregoing, and aware that we are brothers with no reason why we fight each other, I kindly request you, Sir, nga mukulu waffe to cause a mediatory meeting between PS/ST Mr. Ggoobi and myself, chaired by yourself, with a view to harmonise us so as to allow me serve my last term as Chief Executive Officer at the Insurance Regulatory Authority 2026-2031 as he continues his role too,” the letter reads.

But even as the appeal was being made, events were moving rapidly elsewhere.

The IRA Board of Directors proceeded to appoint Dr. Protazio Sande as Acting Chief Executive Officer following the expiry of Kaddunabbi’s contract on May 31.

Dr. Sande, who has been serving as Director of Strategy and Market Development, was elevated to the top office to ensure continuity of operations as the Ministry of Finance considers the appointment of a substantive CEO.

According to Board Chairperson CPA Keto Nyapendi Kayemba, the appointment was necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum at the Authority.

“The appointment of Dr. Sande, who is substantively the Director of Strategy and Market Development, will ensure continuity of operations and effective discharge of the Authority’s mandate,” she said.

The transition, however, has been overshadowed by an escalating legal battle.

Kaddunabbi has since also rushed to court seeking to overturn the Board’s decision not to renew his contract.

Court documents show that the IRA and former Board Chairman Dr. Isaac Nkote Nabeta have asked the High Court to dismiss Kaddunabbi’s judicial review application, arguing that his contract has already expired and that an acting CEO is already in office.

According to affidavits filed by the Authority, Kaddunabbi’s contract ended automatically on May 31, 2026, and the handover process was completed after the Board instructed him to proceed on leave.

The Authority argues that reinstating him would create confusion by effectively producing two competing chief executives within the same institution.

Kaddunabbi, however, insists that the Board’s February 16, 2026 decision declining to recommend him for another term was unfair and unlawful.

He maintains that he was denied a fair hearing despite what he describes as a strong performance record.

The veteran regulator argues that his earlier appointments in 2011 and 2016 were made under the old legal framework, which did not impose term limits. He says his appointment under the Insurance Act 2017 only began in 2021 and therefore he remains eligible for another term because the law cannot operate retrospectively.

He also cites strong performance ratings, growth in insurance premiums, improvements in claims settlement, digital reforms and sector expansion as evidence supporting his bid for reappointment.

The Board, however, says eligibility does not automatically translate into entitlement.

Court filings reveal that governance and financial management concerns featured prominently in deliberations about his future.

The respondents cite issues arising from audits, reviews and whistleblower reports. Among the concerns referenced are allegations relating to unauthorized salary enhancements, staff recruitment without Board approval and leave monetisation practices.

The Auditor General’s findings also featured heavily in the dispute.

The audit reportedly questioned UGX 181.4 million in unauthorized travel and leave monetisation payments, including a leave allowance of UGX 36.8 million.

Auditors also flagged unauthorized salary enhancements amounting to UGX 337 million and irregular recruitments that reportedly generated additional costs of UGX 647.5 million.

Further concerns were raised about the Authority’s monitoring of insurance company security deposits, while other findings pointed to governance weaknesses, procurement concerns and delays in establishing the Policy Holders’ Compensation Fund.

The Board says these matters formed part of the basis for its decision not to recommend renewal of Kaddunabbi’s contract.

For now, the Board has made its move.

Dr. Protazio Sande occupies the corner office as Acting CEO.

Kaddunabbi is fighting in court.

And his extraordinary appeal to Gen. Saleh has added yet another dramatic chapter to a succession battle that has gripped Uganda’s insurance industry.

As the court case heads toward further hearings, one reality is already clear: after nearly 16 years at the summit of the IRA, Kaddunabbi is facing the toughest fight of his career as the regulator prepares for life beyond his tenure.

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