In response to the increasing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Ugandan migrant workers many of whom return with illnesses or, in tragic cases, do not return at all NIC Life Assurance, in partnership with Spades Insurance Brokers, has launched the Uganda Migrant Workers Insurance Scheme.
This initiative aims to safeguard the financial security and dignity of Ugandans working abroad.
Speaking at the launch, Lubanda Anthony the CEO of NIC Life Assurance noted that many migrant workers face significant risks including accidents, illnesses, and death, often without any form of protection.
“Today, we take a bold step to change that narrative,” he said. “No one who seeks the promise of a better life should be left vulnerable. This scheme covers critical areas like repatriation and disabilities and will contribute to the economic empowerment of our migrant workers. It reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to their dignity.”
The comprehensive, tax-free insurance product, as explained by Spades Insurance Brokers CEO Christopher Sengendo, is available to all Ugandans preparing to travel abroad and those already working overseas.
Based on research spanning 2019 to 2023, 174 deaths of Ugandan migrant workers were recorded. Additionally, 278 workers experienced contract breaches, 280 suffered from mental health challenges, and 80 faced maternity-related complications.
The 2 year contract period premium of shs 250,000 the scheme provides:
Shs. 30,000,000 death benefit to the family
Shs. 20,000,000 for total permanent disability
Shs. 15,000,000 for critical illness
She. 10,000,000 for psychological or mental health conditions
She. 1,000,000 in the event of a spouse's death
Shs 15,000,000 for funeral expenses and repatriation of remains
250 Dollars in legal assistance
Shs.10,000,000 in additional funeral benefits
Payments can be made through Post Bank and mobile money platforms. Sengendo emphasized that despite challenges, a budget has been set aside to support the scheme's implementation and sustainability.
Hajji Ibrahim Bogere, Chairman of the Uganda Women External Recruitment Agencies (UAERA), criticised agencies that externalize workers without adequate protection measures.
“We call on all stakeholders to rethink and develop stronger policies that safeguard the lives and health of migrant workers. This insurance is already benefiting many, and the government must support it—not just for protection, but for the dignity it upholds,” he urged.
ELAU Chairman Milton Orok encouraged all relevant players to promote the scheme and advised migrant workers to use official recruitment channels.
Kenneth Oloka, Executive Director of the Uganda Joint Migrant Workers Association, added that the scheme will help mitigate the many risks migrant workers face and improve Uganda’s global image in labor exportation.
He emphasised the importance of covering both pre-departure and post-deployment phases and acknowledged that some workers have requested a reduction in the Shs 250,000 premium.
Insurance Regulatory Authority CEO Al Hajji Kaddunabi Lubega praised NIC for its continued innovation. “This policy addresses a real and urgent issue.
The numbers of Ugandans seeking work abroad are alarming. This is not just a financial product—it is a tool for peace and dignity.
Migrant workers contribute significantly to our economy through their remittances. We must ensure they work in safety and dignity.”
He called upon the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to actively support and promote the scheme.
Milton Turyasiima, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, expressed his delight at the launch, describing it as an essential step toward protecting migrant workers.
“The Ministry is developing a welfare program tailored for migrant workers. With over Shs 1.5 billion in annual remittances, we must ensure this sector thrives. We need this information well-packaged to share it effectively with workers,” he said.