Nearly 200 local government leaders from Mpigi, Butambala, Wakiso and Kampala, have been urged to champion insurance adoption among their communities.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, empowered the leaders with insurance knowledge on Agriculture Insurance and microinsurance, advising them to safeguard themselves against unexpected risks while building stronger financial resilience.
The leaders from Mpigi and Butambala were engaged on June 23, 2026 at Maya Nature Resort while those from Wakiso and Kampala were engaged on June 24, 2026 at Hotel Africana.
While speaking to the leaders from Wakiso and Kampala, the IRA Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Protazio Sande said, “nature is no longer dependable and therefore the only way to survive is to call on insurers to take on agriculture risks such as drought, floods, pests and diseases among others. Therefore, as leaders we want to task you to champion and consider aspects of insurance while discussing policies at your respective levels.”
Represented by Mr. Musa Sebuufu the Manager Risk and Actuarial at the Maya Nature Resort, Dr. Sande, emphasized that embracing insurance by the local leaders shall equip communities to withstand shocks, sustain their livelihoods and recover from any financial setbacks during uncertain times.
“Insurance is often misunderstood as an expense rather than an investment in protection, yet it helps individuals, families, and businesses manage risks by providing financial support when losses occur,” Dr. Sande said adding that the agricultural sector, the backbone of Uganda’s economy, remains one of the most vulnerable sectors to risks, with farmers facing numerous challenges, including prolonged droughts, excessive rainfall, floods, pests, and diseases. A single adverse season can wipe out months of hard work and investment, leaving families vulnerable and negatively affecting household incomes.”
He noted to the leaders that agricultural insurance provides the protection that helps safeguard investments, support the continuity of farming activities, and enhance farmers’ confidence to invest in improved agricultural practices.
At both engagements, Dr. Sande, challenged the local leaders to also consider the aspect of Workers Compensation insurance while discussing at their councils. “As local leaders, you hold immense influence especially when you rally behind a cause, success usually follows easily. We therefore encourage you to advocate for workers’ compensation, as it delivers vital benefits not only to employees but also to employers,” Dr. Sande noted.
Risky to avoid insurance
The Agro Consortium Chief Operations and Impact Officer, John Makosya urged participants to encourage farmers to consider insurance as an integral part of their overall risk management strategy, saying it is risky to avoid it given the increasing risks.
“Just as you invest in quality seeds, fertilizers, livestock, and sound farm management practices, it is equally important to invest in protecting those investments against unforeseen events,” he said.
He tipped them on the availability of the agricultural insurance subsidy which government put in place to enable farmers across the country access protection for their agricultural projects at subsidized rates.
Government has since the 2016/17 Financial Year been allocating UShs 5 billion annually to this scheme.
The Resident District Commissioner for Mpigi, Ms. Sarah Nanono Kaweesi, applauded IRA for organizing the engagement, describing it as timely and relevant. Ms. Nanono urged participants to share the knowledge acquired with those they represent to increase awareness and uptake of insurance services.
The Lord Mayor of Kampala City Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, represented by Dr Judith Nalukwago, called upon the City local leaders to be ambassadors of insurance by pushing for mindset change so that people can appreciate the importance of insurance.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner Wakiso District Ms. Justine Mbabazi raised concern about medical insurance service providers who discriminate insurance medical card holders and requested the Authority to intervene.