KAMPALA, Uganda: The Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda- IBAU, has donated scholastic materials worth 10 million shillings to pupils of Kiswa Primary School in Nakawa division, in a gesture that coincided with the official launch of the 8th IBAU Annual Conference scheduled for April 22–24 in Mbarara.
The donation, made as part of the association’s corporate social responsibility efforts, saw textbooks and other learning materials handed over to support both teachers and learners at the school.
The initiative reflects a broader effort by the insurance industry to connect more directly with communities while promoting awareness and trust in insurance services.
Speaking during the launch, IBAU Chairman Paul Muhame explained that the association deliberately chose to take the conference launch beyond traditional formal settings and into the community. He noted that Kiswa Primary School was identified following consultations with its leadership, which highlighted an urgent need for scholastic materials.
Muhame said the insurance fraternity rallied together over recent months to raise the funds, emphasizing that the contribution is expected to enhance learning outcomes and research capacity among pupils. He added that the upcoming conference, themed “Trust Reimagined: Delivering on the Promise,” will serve as a critical platform for industry players to reflect on improving service delivery, particularly in claims processing, transparency, and customer engagement.
He stressed that the insurance sector is increasingly focused on placing the customer at the center, with discussions at the conference expected to explore ways of making insurance services more accessible, efficient, and trustworthy. According to Muhame, redefining trust is essential to strengthening relationships between insurers and clients, especially in a market where awareness remains a challenge.
Representing the school administration, Alice Nanvunanwa welcomed the donation, saying the materials will significantly support teaching and learning. She noted that access to textbooks will enhance research among both teachers and pupils, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of classroom subjects.
Nanvunanwa also highlighted the long-term value of introducing insurance knowledge at an early stage. She said that exposing pupils to the concept of insurance could help them grow into informed individuals who appreciate its importance and can pass that knowledge on to their families, many of whom remain unaware of its benefits.
The three-day conference is expected to attract more than 300 delegates, including policymakers, regulators, insurers, brokers, and business leaders. It will focus on increasing insurance uptake among micro, small, and medium enterprises, the informal sector, and the wider retail market, while promoting collaboration and innovation across the industry.
Edward Nambafu, the chairman of organizing committee of the conference emphasized that building trust extends beyond the insurance sector and must begin within the communities it serves. This sentiment was echoed by IBAU representative Fiona Magezi, who said the CSR initiative aims to create tangible impact while setting the tone for a transformative industry dialogue.
The event has drawn significant support from key industry players. Mirai General Insurance is participating as a platinum sponsor, contributing 150 million shillings, while ICEA Lion Assurance has committed 100 million shillings as a gold sponsor.Joseph Nsubuga, Chief Executive Officer of Mirai General Insurance Uganda Limited, said the conference presents an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration between insurers and brokers. He underscored the critical role brokers play in bridging the gap between insurers and clients, noting that collaboration is key to increasing Uganda’s insurance penetration, which remains low.
Nsubuga added that trust and reliability in claims settlement are central to the industry’s growth, stressing that insurers must consistently deliver on their promises to build confidence among clients.
Similarly, Daniel Kairu from ICEA General Insurance Uganda highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving sector growth. He noted that while companies may compete, collaboration remains essential in addressing common challenges such as low public trust and limited awareness of insurance products.
Kairu described trust as the cornerstone of insurance, urging the public to entrust insurers with their financial risks with confidence that claims will be honored. He credited brokers for their professionalism and technical expertise, saying they are instrumental in ensuring smooth interactions between insurers and clients.
Muhame further elaborated on the evolving role of insurance brokers as intermediaries who facilitate transparency, faster claims processing, and better customer experiences. He explained that brokers help simplify the insurance process, ensuring clients understand policies and receive timely compensation when losses occur.
He also pointed to the growing role of technology in transforming the sector, noting that digital tools are expanding outreach, improving data-driven decision-making, and enhancing efficiency in service delivery. Technology, he said, is enabling insurers to reach more clients through mobile and online platforms while streamlining operations.
Addressing concerns about limited trust in the industry, Muhame acknowledged that low awareness remains a significant barrier. However, he noted that regulatory improvements by the Insurance Regulatory Authority have strengthened claims processes, making it more likely for policyholders to receive compensation in line with policy terms.
He concluded that sustained collaboration among insurers, brokers, regulators, and other stakeholders is essential to increasing awareness and ensuring that insurance fulfills its promise of financial protection.
