Brokers, digital tools drive insurance uptake

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Insurance brokers have been tipped as the engine behind efforts to grow Uganda’s insurance penetration, as industry leaders push for accelerated digital transformation to reach underserved markets.

Speaking at the annual Jubilee–Brokers Breakfast Meeting at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala on Friday, officials from Jubilee Insurance said brokers remain central to expanding coverage in a country where insurance penetration is still below 1% of GDP.

Jubilee’s Acting CEO, Eugene Mutekele, said brokers currently control about 66% of the market and continue to drive year-on-year growth.

“The numbers speak for themselves. From Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, broker-driven premiums grew from about sh1.4 trillion to sh1.6 trillion,” Mutekele said.

“That growth is a testament to your resilience and the trust you are building with customers. You are the boots on the ground and the bridge between clients and insurers.”

He said Jubilee’s strategy is now focused on strengthening partnerships with brokers while investing heavily in technology to improve service delivery.

“It doesn’t matter how good your product is—if it doesn’t reach the customer, it is as good as nothing,” Mutekele noted, adding that the company’s new digital platform has enabled faster underwriting, seamless claims tracking and improved transparency.

Jubilee’s Chief Distribution Officer, John Katende, said the insurer has reorganised its operations to focus on distribution channels rather than product silos.

“We are now an amalgamated brand offering health, life and personal accident under one roof. When we sit with brokers today, we are discussing group life, group health, SME and retail together,” Katende said.

He revealed that brokers contribute 60% of Jubilee’s health portfolio and nearly half of its corporate life business, with retention rates of about 90%.

While broker business has grown by 23% annually, Katende said retail lines are expanding at nearly 40%, presenting an opportunity for brokers to tap into SMEs and individual clients.

Through the J-Force digital platform, brokers can now onboard retail clients, issue policies and process transactions from their offices.

“We are demystifying insurance to the last person. Even someone in a village should understand that insurance is a solution before loss happens,” Katende said.

With Uganda’s economy projected to continue growing, Jubilee executives said brokers and digital platforms will play a key role in deepening financial inclusion and reshaping the country’s risk management landscape.