BUSINESS NEWS: General insurers have been tasked with rolling out mandatory awareness and sensitization campaigns on workers’ compensation insurance. This directive aims to close the persistent knowledge gap around the requirements and procedures for claiming compensation when employees suffer injuries at the workplace.
The directive, issued in a circular dated March 16, 2026, and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, requires all non-life insurance firms to undertake structured awareness and sensitization initiatives for their policyholders. These initiatives should focus on procedures and requirements under the workers’ compensation regime.
Insurers are also required to directly engage both employees and employers to help them understand their rights, responsibilities, and the protection available.
“The sensitization initiatives shall specifically target policyholders insured under Workers’ Compensation and Group Personal Accident policies, and shall cover procedures for reporting workplace injuries and accidents, as well as the documentation required to support compensation claims,” the circular reads in part.
Other areas of focus include the role of medical practitioners in assessing incapacity and the proper processes for submission and follow-up of claims.
“We believe that transparency through sharing all necessary information with policyholders will enhance trust, build confidence, improve compliance, and strengthen workplace safety among the public,” Kaddunabbi said, adding that this will also promote efficient administration of claims.
The sensitization activities will further include policy issuance processes, renewal communications, and other policyholder outreach initiatives.
Background
The directive follows a recent meeting between the Insurance Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which revealed several gaps in current claims management practices for workers’ compensation insurance.
According to the circular, premature permanent incapacity assessments are sometimes issued for injured workers who have not yet fully recovered or who remain under active treatment.
Such practices, the Authority noted, have contributed to delays in resolving claims and increased the number of disputes referred to the Medical Arbitration Board (MAB). The MAB is a specialized, independent panel established to resolve disputes related to workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and workers’ compensation assessments, particularly in cases involving conflicting medical opinions.
The Authority attributes these challenges mainly to limited awareness among policyholders and employers regarding proper procedures, documentation requirements, and timelines under the workers’ compensation framework—gaps this new directive seeks to address.
