Kampala, Uganda – Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited, in collaboration with Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Bancassurance Agency and SafeCar by SafeBoda, today launched “Protecta Bode”, an innovative car insurance product designed to bridge the gap between statutory third-party insurance and comprehensive motor insurance.
A report by the Insurance Regulatory Authority titled Status of Motor Vehicle Insurance in Uganda – Study Report, September 2020, suggests that 86% of car owners purchase third-party insurance rather than comprehensive coverage, highlighting a significant gap in uptake between the two types.
The product name “Protecta Bode” blends cultural resonance with clarity: Protecta derives from the English word “protect,” adapted with a Luganda linguistic flair to evoke a sense of protection in a locally relatable way, while Bode comes from the Luganda word for “body,” emphasizing the product’s focus on safeguarding the vehicle’s physical structure.
Key Features
During the product launch, Raphael Bisaso, Head of Marketing and Distribution at Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited, highlighted the key product features:
Protecta Bode provides compensation for accidental damage to the external body of your vehicle caused by sudden and unforeseen incidents. Covered work includes body repairs, panel beating, and replacement of parts at Liberty-approved garages.
The cover also extends to third-party liabilities, including bodily injury, death, or property damage, as well as medical or life benefits for the driver following an accident.
Premium rate: 1.5% of the vehicle’s market value.
Protecta Bode offers broader coverage compared to statutory third-party insurance, which only covers bodily injuries at a low limit.
While comprehensive motor insurance is often perceived as expensive, Protecta Bode is designed to meet the actual needs of most motorists — focusing on incidents that affect the vehicle’s body and third-party liability.
Initially rolling out to SafeCar’s 6,000 drivers, the product is expected to expand as a standalone option, fostering financial inclusion for low-income motorists. It also aims to tap into the 9,000 boda riders in SafeBoda’s network who may upgrade from riding a boda to owning and driving a SafeCar.
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to innovative solutions that empower Ugandans at every level,” said Peter Makhanu, Managing Director of Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited.
“By focusing on car body coverage through Protecta Bode, we’re making insurance relatable and attainable — starting with SafeBoda’s trusted network to bring real value to drivers on the road.”
Samuel F. Mwogeza, Executive Director and Head of Personal & Private Banking (PPB) at Stanbic Bank Uganda, added:
“At Stanbic, we’re proud to distribute this product through our bancassurance platform, bridging banking and insurance for seamless access.
This is more than just coverage — it’s a step toward economic resilience for drivers facing daily risks. We’re excited to see it grow alongside SafeBoda’s 10th anniversary celebrations.”
Christian Wamambe, Country Director at SafeBoda Uganda, stated:
“SafeBoda is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our drivers and the communities we serve. Protecta Bode not only offers affordable protection for vehicle bodies, but also aligns with our mission to promote driver wellbeing and road safety.
Through this collaboration with Liberty and Stanbic, we’re empowering over 15,000 drivers and cyclists and further advancing training and infrastructure improvements for safer roads.”
Road Safety Commitment
As an initial step, the partners announced a forthcoming CSR campaign to promote road safety. The initiative will include:
Boda driver training at SafeBoda’s Academy
Installation of zebra crossings at 10 locations across Kampala
Additional road signage to ensure safer roads during the festive season
A Continued Legacy
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Liberty General Insurance Uganda, Stanbic Bancassurance, and SafeBoda have teamed up to transform mobility and safety.
Back in 2023, the trio launched SafeRide, a pioneering product offering riders an insurance safety net. It allowed customers to select rides with built-in coverage for passengers in case of accidents — providing peace of mind through compensation for medical expenses and other related costs.
This initiative earned them the ‘Most Innovative Bancassurance Agent 2023’ award at the Insurance Regulatory Authority Awards in March 2024. It showcased an innovative microinsurance solution for personal accident cover, reinforcing their commitment to safety in Uganda’s transportation sector.
With Protecta Bode, Liberty General Insurance Uganda, Stanbic Bancassurance Agency, and SafeCar by SafeBoda aim to continue this legacy of collaboration and innovation.
About Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited
Liberty General Insurance Uganda Limited is a leading provider of short-term insurance solutions, committed to innovation and customer-centric protection.
About Stanbic Bank Uganda
Stanbic Bank Uganda, part of the Standard Bank Group, offers comprehensive banking and bancassurance services to drive financial inclusion across Uganda.
About SafeBoda
SafeBoda is Uganda’s premier ride-hailing platform, serving over 15,000 drivers and cyclists with a focus on safety and community empowerment.
