ICEA LION backs IBAU conference with UGX100m as industry targets trust and inclusion

March 19, 2026 in Companies, Financial Services by Editor

A Shs100 million sponsorship from ICEA LION sets the stage for Uganda’s insurance industry to rethink trust and expand coverage among SMEs and individuals.

 

Uganda’s insurance industry is sharpening its focus on trust and inclusion, as ICEA LION General Insurance injects Shs100 million into the 8th Annual Conference of the Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda.

The three-day conference, scheduled for April 22–24 in Mbarara, is expected to draw more than 450 delegates, including brokers, insurers, regulators and business leaders. This year’s theme, “Trust Reimagined: Delivering on the Promise,” reflects growing recognition that low insurance penetration in Uganda is as much about perception and accessibility as it is about product design.

ICEA LION’s sponsorship as Gold Sponsor signals confidence in the role of brokers as a key channel for expanding insurance uptake. Industry players increasingly view brokers as critical intermediaries capable of bridging the gap between insurers and underserved segments of the population.

Conference organisers say the 2026 edition will shift the conversation away from traditional corporate clients toward micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual consumers. These segments, while forming the backbone of Uganda’s economy, remain largely uninsured.

Edward Nambafu, CEO of Minet Uganda Insurance Brokers and conference convener, said the renewed focus reflects a need to address long-standing gaps in coverage. By tailoring discussions and solutions to SMEs and individuals, the industry hopes to unlock new growth while improving financial resilience across households and businesses.

The conference is also set to broaden its reach beyond the insurance sector, with companies from other industries expected to participate. This cross-sector engagement is aimed at deepening understanding of insurance as a business enabler rather than a compliance requirement.

Organisers are also introducing new initiatives to extend the event’s impact beyond formal sessions. A city activation campaign and corporate social responsibility drive are planned to engage communities directly and raise awareness about the role of insurance in everyday life.

The annual IBAU conference has steadily grown into one of the sector’s key platforms for shaping industry direction, with previous editions focusing on customer-centric models, innovation and sustainability. This year’s emphasis on trust reflects persistent challenges around public confidence, claims experience and product relevance.

For insurers,  expanding coverage among SMEs and individuals represents one of the largest untapped opportunities in Uganda’s financial services sector. But beyond new products, achieving this will require building credibility, simplifying access and strengthening relationships with customers.

As industry players gather in Mbarara, the expectation is that discussions will move beyond diagnosis to actionable strategies. With trust at the centre of the agenda, the conference could mark a turning point in efforts to bring insurance closer to millions of Ugandans still outside the safety net.