General insurers in Uganda have been directed to implement mandatory awareness and sensitisation campaigns on workers’ compensation insurance, in a move aimed at closing persistent knowledge gaps around claims procedures for workplace injuries.
The directive, issued in a circular dated March 16, 2026, was signed by Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda.
It requires all non-life insurance firms to carry out structured sensitisation initiatives targeting their policyholders.
Under the directive, insurers must directly engage both employees and employers to ensure they understand their rights, responsibilities, and the protections available under workers’ compensation.
“The sensitization initiatives shall specifically target policyholders insured under Workers’ Compensation and Group Personal Accident policies, and shall cover procedures for reporting workplace injuries and accidents, as well as the documentation required to support compensation claims,” the circular states.
The campaigns are also expected to educate stakeholders on the role of medical practitioners in assessing incapacity, the proper procedures for submitting and following up claims, as well as policy issuance and renewal processes and broader policyholder engagement.
Lubega noted that improving transparency and information-sharing will enhance trust, strengthen compliance, and promote safer workplaces, while also improving efficiency in claims management.
Background to the directive
The move follows a recent engagement between the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which revealed significant gaps in current claims management practices.
Among the key concerns highlighted were premature permanent incapacity assessments issued before full medical recovery, delays in claims resolution, and a rise in disputes escalated to the Medical Arbitration Board.
The Medical Arbitration Board is an independent body responsible for resolving disputes related to workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and compensation assessments, particularly where there are conflicting medical opinions on injury severity and incapacity.
According to IRA, these challenges largely stem from limited awareness among employers and policyholders about proper procedures, documentation requirements, and timelines under the workers’ compensation framework.
The new directive is therefore intended to bridge these gaps, streamline claims processes, and improve the overall effectiveness of the workers’ compensation system in Uganda.
