Pan-African insurance broker Olea Insurance Solutions has expanded its footprint in the East African country with the official acquisition of Marsh Insurance, marking a major milestone in the country’s fast-growing insurance market.
During a function held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala on Friday, Olea Uganda was introduced to regulators, insurers, corporate clients and development partners, while unveiling new leadership to steer the company’s growth in the country.
Former Marsh Uganda Head of Client Servicing, Fiona Magezi, was formally unveiled as the Managing Director of OLEA Uganda, while Paul Muhame transitioned from Managing Director to Chairman of the Board.
In her maiden address, Magezi said her appointment marks a new beginning both for her career and for the company.
“In December 2025, I assumed the role of Managing Director of Olea Uganda, having served in various capacities at Marsh Uganda and I would like to thank my former board representatives of Marsh Uganda for the guidance you gave me during that time. I think that was a grooming — never did I know I was becoming Managing Director.”
Magezi said her leadership will focus on growth, resilience and client-centred solutions.
“As Managing Director, I want to lead with my legacy to reflect growth, resilience and opportunity, building Olea Uganda into a strong thriving presence that positively impacts our clients and our community. We are strengthening our capabilities to deliver insurance and risk programmes, whether it’s employee benefits, risk structuring or international and pan-African placement.”
She also highlighted Olea’s growing East African footprint.
“What truly differentiates us is a combination of global expertise with our 14 network partners, a wealth of experience, local insights and talents, and the confidence to personalize service. That is how we intend to build the Olea Uganda brand — by being the broker that understands your business and grows with you.”
Olea Uganda Board Chairman Paul Muhame said the launch coincided with the company’s ninth anniversary, making it a historic moment for the group.
“This week is a week for celebration here in Oléa. One, it is when we launch Oléa Uganda in this market, but most importantly, this week is when Oléa celebrates nine years in existence.”
He thanked Olea’s global leadership for entrusting him with the chairmanship.
“I am particularly honoured for the confidence that Oléa Holdings has given me in leading this team as chairman of the board, but most importantly, I am committed to supporting Fiona and the Oléa team in pursuing excellence in this market.”
Muhame expressed confidence in Fiona Magezi praising her for her unique leadership style.
“I know Fiona as a really friendly soul, but insurers will tell you she’s really tough when it comes to chasing clients’ claims. There’s a reason why she’s called Fiona Magazine.”
He added that Olea’s strength lies in client-driven service.
“Our company is thriving mostly because of discipline, vision and most importantly our clients. We listen, we look for the right price, the right cover and most importantly how best we can get those claims paid — and we do that at no extra cost.”
The CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, Alhaji Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega, who was the chief guest, said the transition from Marsh to Olea represents continuity and growth for Uganda’s insurance sector.
“We are here to see the official launch and rebrand of Marsh Uganda to Olea Uganda Insurance Brokers. This event is both symbolic and strategic. It signals continuity, renewal and deliberate positioning for growth within Uganda’s insurance market and the wider African risk landscape.”
He noted that Olea arrives at a time when Uganda is undertaking large-scale investments in oil and gas, infrastructure and agriculture.
“These are risks which demand brokers such as Olea with regional expertise, global market access and strong technical competencies.”
He also cited the growing importance of agricultural insurance.
“Uganda’s agriculture insurance scheme has disbursed over shs40 billion to farmers who suffered losses, with more than 2.47 trillion shillings insured. We expect brokers to be active partners in expanding affordable and innovative agricultural insurance solutions.”
Olea’s CEO for East and Southern Africa, Vincent de Charnacé, said the group brings unmatched continental reach and technology to Uganda.
“Olea is a unique Pan-African insurance broker. We are present in 26 countries across North, West, Central, East and South Africa. There is no other broker with such a footprint.”
He said Olea’s technology allows clients to access real-time, transparent data across borders.
“We have deployed the same system across the continent so our clients get access to consolidated data in real time.”
De Charnacé explained that the Marsh-Olea merger was built on trust.
“Marsh has been a long-standing, trustful partner. They came to us and said they wanted to exit some countries and asked if we could take over. For us, that showed great confidence in Olea.”
“Today Olea is the second largest broker in Uganda for the private sector. Under Fiona’s leadership and an exceptional team, I am confident we will reach number one very soon.”
Founded in 2017, Olea operates in 26 countries with majority-owned subsidiaries and a complementary network of 13 partner brokers.
The company has presence in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Mali, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Tunisia.
Their main regional hubs are located in Abidjan, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
Olea offers services and solutions to companies investing in Africa, and international brokers without a presence on the continent.
The company provides technical knowledge in both life and non-life insurance including property, health, motor, transport, cyber, fraud, civil liability, political violence and terrorism, and construction.