Taxi drivers have been urged to embrace insurance to safeguard themselves and their loved ones against unforeseen risks.
The call was made by the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) Chief Executive Officer, Alhaj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega during a half-day Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) sensitization engagement at the Insurance Tower on July 16, 2025.
The engagement sought to sensitize UTOF members about motor third party in an effort geared towards enlightening them on how it works and updating them about the amendments in offing, so as to increase compliance.
Alhaj Kaddunabbi noted the Authority, working with other stakeholders, is in the process of amending the Motor Third Party Insurance Act of 1989 to increase limits and broaden the scope of beneficiaries.
He noted that the current law only caters for bodily injuries or death caused to third parties – pedestrians, passengers, or other road users and not the driver of the vehicle.
He explained that in the proposed amendment, the scope would be broadened to include drivers, there will be no fault finding, and that compensation limits for victims will be increased from the current Ugx.1 million.
“We want to increase the limits to at least Ugx. 10m for each person in case of death. The premium rates to be paid are also being reviewed to ensure that they are commensurate with the proposed compensation limits,” he said.
He noted that the amendment will also eliminate the need for printing and sticking a physical third-party sticker on the vehicle as all the details will be accessible via the phone by simply typing a vehicle plate number.
Bridging the knowledge gap
The UTOF Spokesperson, Mr. Moses Mawejja Birungi applauded IRA for the senstisation, saying that suffering at the hands of law enforcers, misconception of this insurance cover and low compensation limits are some of the thorny issues affecting taxi drivers.
“When you get involved in an accident, the police officer will not listen to you when you tell them you have insurance; they want you to pay before being released; if you do not pay, they put you behind bars,” he said.
The IRA Manager Corporate Affairs, Ms. Mariam Nalunkuuma urged the participants to be ambassadors by encouraging all taxi drivers to buy this essential insurance cover, saying it is a crucial safety net for both drivers and the public and for promoting road safety.
She also explained that the process for obtaining the insurance, noting that stickers are issued by any Non-Life Insurance company of the motorist’s choice.
The IRA Manager Inspection, Mr. Steven Kaddumukasa urged taxi operators not to take on liability in case of accidents, but instead report all accidents to police and file a claim with the insurance company for compensation.
He also encouraged them to embrace more insurance products to safeguard their lives and those of their loved ones.
The IRA Senior Legal Officer- Complaints and Litigation, Ms. Barbara N. Walugembe, urged UTOF members to make use of the Authority’s Complaints Bureau in case of discontentment with their insurance service provider over any insurance-related matter.
The UTOF vice chairperson Mr. Steven Kidde Kiyaga thanked IRA for the enlightening engagement, saying it has bridged the knowledge gap.