The High Court in Kampala has fixed June 29, 2026, to rule on an application filed by the former Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Lubega Kaddunabbi seeking interim orders to block the implementation of a board decision declining to recommend him for a second term in office.
The head of the Civil Division of the High Court Lady Justice Joyce Kavuma on Monday set the ruling date after hearing submissions from both Lubega and the respondents in the matter, the Insurance Regulatory Authority and its former Board Chairperson, Dr. Isaac Nabeta Nkote.
Lubega, whose current five-year contract expired on May 31, 2026, filed a judicial review application challenging a February 16, 2026 decision by the IRA Board not to recommend him to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for reappointment as Chief Executive Officer.
In court documents, Lubega argues that he remains eligible for a second five-year term under the Insurance Act and the Authority’s Human Resource Management Manual. He contends that he served diligently, consistently received outstanding performance evaluations, and had a legitimate expectation of being considered for reappointment.
According to his affidavit, Lubega informed the board in May 2025 of his intention to seek renewal of his contract and later submitted performance reports and supporting documents. However, he alleges that the board, chaired at the time by Dr. Nabeta, made its decision without giving him an opportunity to be heard.
He further claims that the board subsequently resolved to send him on forced annual leave beginning in May 2026 as part of implementing his exit from office. In his application, Lubega is seeking interim injunctive orders restraining the authority and its board from implementing the decision declining to recommend him for reappointment and from forcing him to proceed on leave pending the determination of his substantive judicial review case.
The judicial review application seeks orders of certiorari, prohibition, declaration and injunction against the respondents. Lubega argues that unless the court intervenes, the decisions of the board will be implemented before the substantive case is heard, rendering the proceedings nugatory and causing him irreparable harm.
However, the Insurance Regulatory Authority and Dr. Nabeta oppose the application, describing it as misconceived both in fact and law.
In written submissions filed through Dentons Advocates, the respondents argue that the interim administrative order earlier granted by court did not renew Lubega’s contract, extend his tenure, suspend the Insurance Act or stop the expiry of his contract by operation of time.
The respondents maintain that Lubega’s contract was for a fixed term running from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2026 and expired by effluxion of time. They further contend that after the board resolved not to recommend him for reappointment, the Minister of Finance directed the Auditor General to investigate matters concerning Lubega’s conduct and suitability for another term. According to the respondents, Lubega participated in the investigation process and submitted responses before the board reconsidered the matter on May 25, 2026.
The respondents through their lead Lawyer John Musiime have also informed court that following the expiry of Lubega’s contract, Dr. Sande Protazio was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer and assumed office on June 1, 2026.
They argue that the application has therefore been overtaken by events because the contract has already expired, an acting CEO has been appointed, and the court is now dealing with a completed investigation and concluded administrative processes.
The respondents further contend that the orders sought would affect individuals who are not parties to the proceedings, including the acting CEO and officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. They also challenged allegations of contempt raised by the applicant, arguing that no formal contempt proceedings have been instituted before court and that such claims cannot properly be considered within the current application.
According to IRA and Dr Nkote, granting the interim orders would alter rather than preserve the status quo, create uncertainty within the regulator, and potentially result in competing claims to the office of Chief Executive Officer. They have asked the court to dismiss the application with costs.
IRA’s Lawyer Musiime two weeks ago informed the Court that this case has bigger implications for leadership at the Insurance Regulatory Authority, the statutory body responsible for supervising and regulating the insurance industry. The June 29 ruling however is expected to determine whether interim orders will remain in place pending the hearing of Lubega’s substantive judicial review challenge against the board’s decision-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
