KAMPALA, UGANDA — Britam Uganda has officially launched its life assurance business, Britam Life, with an initial focus on Group Life and Credit Life solutions. The new unit deepens Britam’s presence in Uganda, drawing on its parent company’s 60 years of financial protection experience across Africa.
The new business aims to provide risk protection for individuals, families, and financial institutions, entering the market as Uganda’s need for tailored, accessible life insurance coverage continues to grow.
“With this life assurance offering, we are reinforcing that trust with solutions that speak directly to the everyday realities of Ugandan families and institutions,” said Aidah Nkwanzi Mwebaze, CEO of Britam Life Assurance Uganda.
The launch coincides with Britam Group’s 60th anniversary, celebrated under the campaign “We’ve Got Life.”
Since entering Uganda in 2010, Britam has grown into one of the country’s leading insurers. The launch of Britam Life builds on this momentum, expanding the company’s ability to meet both institutional and individual risk needs in Uganda’s dynamic economy.
According to the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda Performance Report 2023, the country’s overall insurance penetration stood at 0.87%, with life insurance contributing 38% of total gross written premiums. Despite this progress, overall coverage remains low — particularly in life assurance — underscoring the need to expand access through more inclusive, innovative, and tailored protection solutions.
Group Life Assurance provides financial protection to employees and their families in the event of death, with benefits typically based on annual salary multiples and flexible coverage options. Credit Life Assurance shields lenders from loan defaults caused by a borrower’s death, helping institutions manage risk and promote responsible borrowing.
Grace Makoko, chairperson of Britam Life Assurance Uganda, welcomed the launch as a timely advancement for the sector.
“As a board, we view this launch as both timely and necessary. It reflects our long-standing commitment to delivering responsive insurance that addresses the real needs of Ugandans today,” Makoko said. “We’re proud to support this expansion into life assurance as part of Britam’s broader strategy for long-term growth in Uganda.”
Britam Life also benefits from the Group’s deep technical expertise and proven track record across its business footprint in seven African countries. In Kenya, Britam is the largest life insurer by market share — over 25 percent, a position built on years of product innovation, strong distribution, and customer trust.
“These solutions are built on tested models across East Africa, adapted for the nuances of the Ugandan market. Our teams have collaborated closely to ensure that what we offer here is not only reliable but relevant,” said Ambrose Dabani, Britam’s CEO and Principal Officer of Life Assurance.
Speaking from the Group, Tom Gitogo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Britam Holdings PLC, underlined the broader strategic significance:
“Uganda is a key pillar in Britam’s pan-African presence. We are pleased to see our life assurance portfolio take root here, with solutions that draw on regional expertise but are tailored for local impact. It’s a milestone that speaks to both our heritage and our future, reinforcing our brand purpose of safeguarding dreams and aspirations in our 60th year.”
To extend protection beyond basic life cover, Britam offers a range of benefits that address critical life events. These include:
- Total & Permanent Disability: Provides a lump sum in the event of irreversible disability.
- Critical Illness: Covers major medical events such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease.
- Funeral Last Expense: Assists with funeral costs, easing the financial burden on loved ones.
- Retrenchment Rider: Offers support in the event of involuntary job loss.
These provide clients with the flexibility to build personalized solutions that offer more than just cover; they offer continuity in the face of disruption.
“This is not just a product launch,” said Mwebaze. “It’s a continuation of a promise to stand with Ugandans at every stage of life. Britam Life will later this year also introduce its individual life products such as unit-linked products, endowment solutions and SME-targeted plans.”
