The Inaugural Stakeholder Dialogue on Medical Insurance was held on 4th December 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton, hosted by the Uganda Insurers Association in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Uganda Healthcare Federation, Smart Applications International and the Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda under the theme, “Redefining Medical Insurance Service Delivery Through Digital Technology and Enhanced Professionalism.”
The engagement brought together industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, service providers and innovators for a meaningful conversation on the state and future of medical insurance in Uganda. The discussions focused on how digital technologies, enhanced professional standards and stronger collaboration can transform the efficiency, reliability and accessibility of medical insurance services. Throughout the day, high-level conversations explored opportunities and challenges shaping the industry from data-driven improvements to patient safety, system reforms and claims efficiency.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Jonan Kisakye, CEO of the Uganda Insurers Association noted that although the medical insurance sector has grown over the years, its penetration remains significantly lower than in other regions, emphasizing that the industry cannot ignore this reality. Ms. Grace Kiwanuka, Executive Director of the Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), highlighted the complexity of the health insurance ecosystem and stressed that sustainable growth can only be achieved when all stakeholders benefit and when people have access to a diverse range of suitable medical insurance products.
Dr. Ivan Kisuule represented Professor Joel Okullo, Chairman of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC). He pointed out that Uganda’s healthcare system is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by evolving patient expectations and increasing technology adoption. He emphasized that medical insurance has become essential in expanding access to care, protecting households from financial hardship and strengthening overall health system financing. Similarly, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, encouraged the industry to accelerate digitalization, strengthen systems and foster a national mindset that views health insurance as a long-term investment in both health and financial wellbeing.
Representing the CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority, Mrs. Francesca Kakooza, Director Legal & Secretary to the Authority, discussed global trends in digital healthcare, citing South Korea as a leading example and applauding Rwanda’s success in integrating health systems with national IDs to minimize fraud and improve service delivery. In his keynote speech, Mr. Ernest Magezi Barusya, CEO of Kenbright Actuarial, provided insights into regional developments and emerging opportunities within the medical insurance space.
A key part of the dialogue was a panel discussion on “Unlocking Market Opportunities for Health Insurance in Uganda and Going Beyond the 1%.” During this session, Ms. Joan Nankya, Head of Medical Business at ICEA Lion General Insurance noted that real-time claims integration and advanced analytics have significantly improved transparency and efficiency in the claims process. Mr. Kevin Kateete, Manager Compliance at IRA addressed ongoing concerns regarding claim settlement, explaining that the challenges are multifaceted and reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to ensuring transparency and protecting policyholders. Dr. Miriam Musinga Mutero, Chief Executive Officer, IHK C-Care called for stronger efforts to retain medical specialists who may seek opportunities abroad, while Mrs. Ritah Mutesi Kabayiza, Executive Director of Willis Towers Watson Uganda and Vice Chairperson of the Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda emphasized the importance of continuous client education to help consumers better understand their medical insurance benefits and limitations.
Patients’ safety concerns and their needs through having people centered medical systems were highlighted to the stakeholders by Dr. Annet Naguudi of the Uganda Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (UAPO), who also emphasized the need to focus on underserved groups, including rural communities, low-income earners and the informal sector. Other deliberations came from Ms. Veronica George, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at Health Centa, who explained how high healthcare costs, inadequate analytics, rising fraud and increasing premiums have affected insurance penetration. Mrs. Judy Elaine Mugoya the Country Manager, Smart Applications International highlighted the company’s progress over the past eight years, partnering with more than 891 facilities and serving over 811,000 patients through improved access control, trend analytics and fraud detection solutions while Mrs. Martha Paul Randy of Renaissance Wellness Services highlighted the significant preventative health gap, noting that many clients only seek care when conditions have already worsened.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Jonan Kisakye, thanked all partners, delegates and participants for their active contribution to the dialogue. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with government ministries and key industry players to ensure that policies remain practical, well-informed and aligned with the needs of a growing sector. The dialogue concluded on a high note with a cocktail sponsored by Smart Applications International, offering participants an opportunity to network and reflect on the day’s insights.
