Insurance scheme launched to protect Ugandan migrant workers

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After years of appeals for greater support, Uganda's private sector has taken a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers.

A new insurance package—The Uganda Migrant Workers Insurance Scheme (UMWIS)—has been launched to provide essential social protection to thousands of Ugandans working abroad.

Migrant workers have long faced difficult circumstances without adequate safeguards. Common challenges include the inability to repatriate deceased individuals, financial hardship, disability due to abuse or accidents, and a lack of return tickets once contracts expire. These issues often leave both the workers and their families in distress.

A recent and tragic example is Ester Nankungu, a Ugandan migrant worker who passed away overseas. Due to a lack of funds, her body will not be returned to Uganda for burial—a painful reminder of the gaps in current protection systems.

In response, SPADES Insurance Brokers and NIC Life Assurance Company have partnered to introduce UMWIS, an innovative insurance product tailored specifically for migrant workers. The scheme is designed to provide coverage for medical emergencies, disability, death, and repatriation, among other critical needs.

The official launch of the scheme took place at Hotel Africana and was attended by key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and government representatives.

Ibrahim Lubega Kaddunabbi, CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRAU), and Milton Turyasiima, Assistant Commissioner for Employment Services, both endorsed the initiative.

“The Ministry has observed that most challenges faced by migrant workers arise due to the absence of social protection. To address this, we are committed to supporting the implementation of UMWIS to ensure that every migrant worker is insured before receiving clearance to work abroad,” said Turyasiima during the launch.

Kaddunabbi echoed the importance of the program, emphasizing its role not only in safeguarding the lives of workers, but also in securing the billions of shillings Uganda receives annually through remittances.

The creators of the initiative also highlighted its relevance and value.

Christopher Ssengendo, CEO of SPADES, described UMWIS as a product that offers customizable insurance coverage suited to the diverse needs of migrant workers.

Joseph Anthony Lubandi, the CEO of NIC Life Assurance, added that the scheme will help reduce the emotional and financial stress faced by workers and their families, saving them time, money, and uncertainty.

UMWIS marks a transformative step in ensuring that Uganda's migrant workers are no longer left vulnerable, and sets a precedent for how public-private partnerships can deliver impactful social protection solutions.