Dr. Protazio Sande
The Board of Directors of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) has appointed Dr. Protazio Sande as the Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.
According to a press statement issued by the Authority on June 2, Dr. Sande takes over from Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, whose contract as Chief Executive Officer expired on May 31, 2026, following the completion of his term of office.
The appointment was made under Clause 6.11 (h) of the Human Capital Management Manual (2023) and is intended to ensure continuity of operations and effective implementation of the Authority’s mandate during the leadership transition.
Dr. Sande currently serves as the Director for Strategy and Market Development at the Insurance Regulatory Authority and is expected to steer the institution as the board undertakes the process of identifying a substantive chief executive.
In the statement, the Board expressed confidence in Dr. Sande’s ability to provide stable leadership, citing his expertise, extensive institutional knowledge, and experience within the insurance sector.
“The appointment of Dr. Sande, who is substantively the Director Strategy and Market Development, will ensure continuity of operations and effective discharge of the Authority’s mandate,” the statement noted.
The Board further stated that Dr. Sande’s leadership would help maintain stability within the Authority and support the continued growth of Uganda’s insurance industry during the transition period.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority is responsible for regulating, supervising, and promoting a sound, competitive, and inclusive insurance sector in Uganda. The Authority plays a critical role in protecting policyholders, strengthening industry standards, and driving insurance penetration across the country.
The Board reassured stakeholders, including insurers, brokers, agents, and policyholders, that all regulatory functions, services, and operations of the Authority will continue without interruption.
“I assure all stakeholders that the Authority’s operations, regulatory functions and services will continue uninterrupted,” the Board said.
The leadership change comes at a time when Uganda’s insurance sector continues to pursue greater market penetration, innovation, and financial inclusion. The sector has in recent years experienced steady growth, supported by regulatory reforms, digital transformation initiatives, and efforts to enhance consumer awareness of insurance products.
The Board also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega for his contribution to the development of the insurance industry during his tenure.
According to the statement, Dr. Kaddunabbi played a significant role in advancing insurance regulation, market development, and policyholder protection. Under his leadership, the Authority strengthened oversight mechanisms and championed initiatives aimed at deepening insurance uptake among Ugandans.
“The Board acknowledges the significant role Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi has played in advancing insurance regulation, market development, and policyholder protection during his tenure and extends its best wishes for success in his next assignments,” the statement added.
Industry stakeholders are expected to closely watch the transition as the regulator seeks to sustain momentum in expanding insurance coverage and strengthening confidence in the sector.
The appointment of Dr. Sande signals the Authority’s commitment to maintaining institutional stability while ensuring that ongoing reforms and regulatory programmes continue seamlessly during the interim period.
Dr. Protazio Sande – The Technocrat Taking the Helm at IRA
Dr. Protazio Sande has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA), bringing to the role years of experience in insurance regulation, strategy, market development, and institutional leadership.
Before his appointment, Dr. Sande served as Director of Strategy and Market Development at the Insurance Regulatory Authority, where he played a central role in shaping policies and programmes aimed at deepening insurance penetration, enhancing public awareness, and promoting sustainable growth within Uganda’s insurance industry.
Widely regarded as a seasoned insurance professional and strategist, Dr. Sande has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support financial inclusion and expand access to insurance products across different segments of society. His work has focused on strengthening the industry’s contribution to Uganda’s economic development while ensuring that insurance services become more accessible and relevant to individuals, businesses, and vulnerable communities.
Throughout his career at the regulator, Dr. Sande has championed market development interventions designed to improve consumer confidence in insurance, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and encourage innovation within the sector. He has also been actively involved in efforts to modernize insurance services through digital transformation and technology-driven solutions.
His appointment comes at a critical time for Uganda’s insurance industry, which is seeking to increase penetration levels, improve consumer protection, and leverage emerging technologies to enhance service delivery. Industry observers view his elevation to the top position as a continuation of the Authority’s commitment to stability, professionalism, and institutional continuity.
Known for his analytical approach and deep understanding of the insurance ecosystem, Dr. Sande has worked closely with insurers, brokers, government agencies, development partners, and regional regulatory bodies on initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector’s regulatory framework and competitiveness.
As Director of Strategy and Market Development, he helped guide programmes focused on insurance awareness, financial literacy, agricultural insurance, and the development of inclusive insurance products tailored to underserved populations. These efforts have been crucial in positioning insurance as an important tool for economic resilience and risk management.
The Board of Directors of the Insurance Regulatory Authority expressed confidence in Dr. Sande’s expertise, leadership, and institutional knowledge, noting that his appointment will ensure continuity of operations and effective discharge of the Authority’s mandate during the transition period.
As Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sande is expected to oversee the Authority’s regulatory and supervisory functions while advancing initiatives aimed at creating a sound, competitive, and inclusive insurance sector. His immediate priorities are likely to include sustaining sector growth, strengthening policyholder protection, supporting innovation, and ensuring that the Authority continues to deliver on its mandate without interruption.
With his extensive experience and strong institutional background, Dr. Protazio Sande steps into the role at a time when Uganda’s insurance sector is increasingly viewed as a key pillar of financial inclusion and economic transformation.
About the Outgoing CEO Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega
Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega is one of Uganda’s most distinguished insurance professionals and regulators, widely recognized for his contribution to the growth and modernization of the country’s insurance sector. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) until the completion of his term on May 31, 2026.
With a career spanning several decades in insurance, risk management, and financial sector regulation, Dr. Kaddunabbi played a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s insurance industry. Under his leadership, the Insurance Regulatory Authority implemented key regulatory reforms aimed at improving governance, enhancing consumer protection, promoting market development, and increasing public confidence in insurance services.
Dr. Kaddunabbi championed initiatives that expanded insurance awareness and penetration across Uganda, including the adoption of digital technologies, innovation in insurance products, and increased collaboration with industry stakeholders. His tenure also saw greater emphasis on financial inclusion, agricultural insurance, and strengthening resilience against emerging risks affecting businesses and households.
Beyond Uganda, he has been an influential figure in regional and continental insurance circles, contributing to discussions on insurance regulation, market integration, and policy development. His leadership helped position Uganda as a progressive insurance market within East Africa.
A respected scholar and practitioner, Dr. Kaddunabbi combines academic excellence with practical industry experience. He is known for his strategic leadership, commitment to professionalism, and advocacy for a robust and inclusive insurance sector that supports national economic development.
As he concludes his tenure as CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority, Dr. Kaddunabbi leaves behind a legacy of institutional strengthening, regulatory excellence, and sustained sector growth. His contributions have significantly shaped the evolution of Uganda’s insurance industry and laid a strong foundation for its future development.
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