Uganda: IRA Leadership Dispute Overshadows Cosase Probe

What the report says

Uganda’s Parliament has paused its review of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) after a leadership dispute blocked lawmakers from moving ahead with audit questions. The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises, known as COSASE, had summoned IRA officials in Kampala to explain issues raised in the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year and to account for governance concerns at the regulator.

According to the report summarized by The Independent and distributed by AllAfrica, the audit highlighted several financial and staffing issues, including salary increases for long-serving chief executive Alhaj Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega, irregular leave-related payments, travel allowances tied to his role at Africa Reinsurance Corporation, and recruitment above approved staffing levels. The report also flagged weaknesses in oversight of security deposits held by insurance companies, a key safeguard under Uganda’s Insurance Act.

The hearing, however, was consumed by a dispute over who has legal authority to lead the IRA. Kaddunabbi’s contract ended on May 31, 2026, and the board named Dr Protazio Sande as acting chief executive from June 1. Kaddunabbi told MPs that court orders protected his position, while IRA’s legal officials and Treasury representatives offered differing views on the effect of those orders and on who should serve as accounting officer. Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi did not appear in person, and MPs said they lacked a clear official position. COSASE then adjourned the session until the leadership issue is clarified, leaving the audit scrutiny unresolved.