Thousands of Ugandans working abroad can now enjoy the needed social protection following the launch of a new insurance product dubbed the Uganda Migrant Workers Insurance Scheme (UMWIS).
Launched by NIC Life Assurance, in partnership with SPADES Insurance Brokers, the product seeks to enhance the welfare and protection of Ugandans staying and working abroad.
Migrant workers have for a long time faced difficult circumstances without adequate protection. Common challenges include exploitation, unfair labor conditions, limited access to financial security, inability to repatriate deceased individuals and disability due to abuse or accidents.
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The scheme is designed to provide coverage for medical emergencies, disability, death and repatriation among others. It offers comprehensive coverage, including Ugx.30 million in death benefits, Ugx.15 million for repatriation, and Ugx.5 million towards children’s education.
The scheme is accessible at a modest premium of Ugx.250,000 annually (or just Ugx.10,000 monthly).
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Anthony Lubandi, the NIC Life Chief Executive Officer described the policy a promise of security, justice, and dignity for Ugandans working abroad.
He noted that the product’s development involved extensive consultation with stakeholders including the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, labor associations, and international counterparts in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Philippines.
Mr. Lubandi urged all migrant workers and labour exporters to support and enroll in the initiative, citing past cases where lack of insurance led to significant financial distress for migrant workers and hefty fines for labor exporters. He further reiterated NIC’s commitment to timely and transparent claims processing and urged media, civil society, and government agencies to raise awareness of the scheme, saying it is about people, their futures and their families.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) Chief Executive Officer, Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega commended the innovation, underscoring the importance of formal insurance mechanisms in protecting the estimated 269,452 Ugandans who migrated for work between 2016 and 2023. He noted that 84.2% of these workers were women, many of whom left through unofficial channels without any protection.
Highlighting the broader economic impact, Alhaj Kaddunabbi emphasized that the scheme could further stabilize Uganda’s remittance flows, which currently contribute about 2.2 trillion ($600m) annually to the economy.