The 4th Annual Insurance Agents Convention, organized by the Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) in partnership with the Uganda Insurance Agents Association (UIAA) & Insurance Training College (ITC), was successfully held on Wednesday, 29th April 2026 at Hotel Africana – Nile Hall, convening industry leaders, agents, regulators and partners for a day of impactful dialogue on the future of Uganda’s insurance sector.

Held under the theme “Becoming a Champion of Protection: Performance & Purpose in the New Insurance Era,” the convention focused on strengthening trust, advancing innovation and reinforcing professionalism across the industry.

Delivering the opening remarks, UIA CEO Mr. Jonan Kisakye expressed appreciation to speakers, partners and sponsors for their contribution to the convention’s success. He highlighted the steady growth of the event, noting its expansion from just 50 delegates in its early years to over 400 participants at the previous edition. He also commended the relevance of the theme, emphasizing its role in shaping the industry’s future, acknowledging Absa Bank Uganda for its contribution through bancassurance.

Chairman of the Uganda Insurance Agents Association (UIAA) - Mr. Muyomba Joshua, described the convention as more than a gathering. “This convention continues to grow in relevance and sets a clear tone for the industry’s direction.” He added that it is a platform that shapes productivity and reflects a shared purpose among members. He emphasized collaboration as a key driver of growth and called on agents to evolve into structured, fully established agencies with long-term vision and impact.

In his keynote address, Mr. David Wandera, Managing Director and CEO of Absa Bank Uganda, described the current period as a defining moment for the insurance industry. “We are living through a defining shift where society expects more from us as financial advisors” he said, challenging delegates to reflect on their role. “What does protection really mean? It is in moments when things go wrong and that is where agents must rise as champions.”

On innovation, he noted that real protection happens before the accident, not after, highlighting the role of telematics in reshaping the sector. Mr. Wandera also emphasized trust as a critical factor. “People avoid insurance not because they don’t need it, but because they do not trust it,” urging agents to adopt a more proactive approach. “Do not wait for customers to come to you, move to them.”

UIA Chairperson - Ms. Ruth Namuli emphasized the need for purpose-driven growth, noting that success in today’s industry goes beyond sales. “We are called to become champions of protection, performance and purpose in this new insurance era. Success is defined by trust, empathy and how well we walk the journey with our clients.”

Ms. Namuli further highlighted the broader role of insurance in society. “At its heart, insurance protects families, businesses and livelihoods from uncertainty.” She called for stronger professionalism, unity and commitment across the sector while emphasizing the major role of agents. “Agents are not just sellers, they are builders of trust and the face of protection.”

The morning panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Meron Atwine of Liberty Insurance, explored compliance requirements and regulatory changes. Ms. Ritah Namakiika Nangongo of Insurance Appeal Tribunal emphasized the importance of product knowledge. “Agents need to know and become more familiar with the covers they are selling” further noting that a clear understanding is essential for both compliance and consumer protection.

Mr. Saul Sseremba, Principal at Insurance Training College (ITC) urged agents to reflect on trust gaps within the industry. “This is our time to reflect on trust and find out what went wrong for people not to trust us.” He also highlighted the role of the Insurance Training College in building professional capacity.

Ms. Edna Kasozi, Manager Licensing and Legal at the Personal Data Protection Office Uganda called for responsible data handling. “Personal data must be collected and processed within the law.” She reinforced the link between data protection and trust.

A presentation on taxation was delivered by Mr. Julius Nandeeba from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), who stressed that tax compliance is both a legal and professional obligation. “When we talk about succession, we should not see it only as a legal obligation; instead, we should ask ourselves how our success contributes to national growth.”

He also warned against unlicensed practice within the industry and urged agents to remain compliant and uphold integrity. “Any amendments to the law do not cancel responsibilities that arose under previous legal frameworks.”

The afternoon panel, moderated by Mr. Gerald Okwir of Old Mutual Uganda, further examined tax compliance. Ms. Mitchelle Mugyenyi, from (UIAA/Old Mutual) highlighted the realities of commission-based income, noting the need for strong foundations in training and ethics. “We must begin with the genesis and foundation.” She also called for greater public sensitization on insurance.

Mr. Rukundo Solomon from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development Uganda encouraged a practical approach to compliance. “Go beyond the form and establish whether the transaction actually happened.”

Mr. John Jet Tusabe of BDO East Africa emphasized fairness in enforcement, noting that in the process of enforcing the law, people need to understand that the law is for them.

The convention also featured personal development sessions. Mr. Mujabi Shaffic of Makerere University Business School underscored the value of time. “Time is not about doing more stuff; it’s about doing what is significant.” He urged agents to focus on high-impact activities.

Mr. Newton Buteraba of House of Wealth emphasized financial discipline. “Money without direction is easily spent on things you won’t even remember.” He cautioned against common pitfalls including lifestyle inflation, working in isolation and failing to reinvest.

During the “A Moment with the Winners” session, Mr. Tumwesige Patrick, a winner of the 14th Annual Insurance Agents Awards 2024, attributed his success to trustworthiness, persistence and strong community engagement.

In the closing remarks, Mr. Badru Bengo, Chief Organizer & UIA Manager – Life, Medical & Pensions, thanked participants, speakers and organizers for their active engagement. He noted that the discussions held throughout the convention particularly on professionalism, compliance, taxation and personal development are critical in shaping a more resilient, trusted, and forward-looking insurance industry in Uganda.