The 3rd Annual Insurance Agents Convention was a bevy of activity as insurance agents and industry leaders were joined by various business leaders to discuss how to improve the agents’ contribution to the industry’s growth. Under the theme: Driving a Resilient Agency Distribution Channel for Sustained Insurance Growth, the Convention took place on 29th April, 202s5 at Hotel Africana-Kampala, attracting over 400 delegates.

Delivering welcome remarks, The UIA CEO, Jonan Kisakye highlighted the notable growth within the insurance industry while acknowledging the challenges it faces. He further lauded the industry’s strides towards digitalisation, particularly with Motor Third Party Insurance, and reaffirmed UIA’s commitment to working with various stakeholders including but not limited to the Ministry of Finance to resolve tax issues pertinent to insurance agents. Jonan expressed satisfaction with the Insurance Regulatory Authority’s formal recognition of the need for insurance agents to be registered members of the Uganda Insurance Agents’ Association (UIAA), emphasizing that this will enhance accountability, professionalism, and ethical standards.

The Chairperson of the Uganda Insurance Agents Association (UIAA) and a member of the Pan-African Insurance Association, Moses Joshua Muyomba expressed deep appreciation to the Uganda Insurers Association (UIA) for the continued partnership with UIAA, which has played a pivotal role in making the Insurance Agent Awards and Convention a possibility. He also emphasized the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the industry and equip agents to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the evolving market landscape.

The UIA Chairperson, Ms. Ruth Namuli acknowledged that despite the encouraging growth in premiums that is largely driven by the insurance agents, insurance penetration in Uganda remains low, calling on all stakeholders to work towards closing this gap. 

She stressed that the future of the industry lies in resilient, community-embedded, and digitally empowered agents, but also admitted several pressing challenges faced by the industry, including the mental health impacts of work pressure, increasing delivery costs, evolving taxation policies and commission structures, changes in regulatory requirements, and the implications of data privacy regulations and associated penalties.

Ms. Namuli reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting agents through continuous training, advocacy, and the development of strong, dependable partnerships. She urged all insurers who have not yet supported agents through subscription payments to fulfil this responsibility, adding that the UIA remains determined to act on the resolutions from the convention and to stand alongside agents in driving the industry forward.

Benerd Obel, Director Supervision at the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), represented Chief Executive Officer Alhajj Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega. He stated that the Authority’s aim is to see insurance agents thrive and lead, with a commitment to building a system rooted in excellence and driven by innovation. He revealed that the IRA has decided to facilitate membership to the Insurance Agents Association of Uganda , effective April this year. Mr. Obel emphasised the indispensable role that insurance agents play, serving as the bridge between complex insurance products and the everyday needs of the people.

Ms. Susan Nsibirwa, Managing Director of Nation Media Group delivered the keynote address titled “Scaling Up the Ladder” which focused on the journey of personal and professional development for sales professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s personal identity as a foundational step in pursuing meaningful career growth. She encouraged insurance agents to view the existing gaps within the industry as opportunities for advancement, underscoring the need for intentional goal-setting and continuous personal development. Ms. Nsibirwa also urged the insurance industry to embrace innovation and remain responsive to evolving trends and best practices in order to remain competitive and relevant.

Kevin Kateete, Senior Licensing Officer at IRA delivered a presentation premised on the critical role of regulatory frameworks in shaping the future of the insurance industry where he expounded on the progressive implementation of insurance laws through structured regulations, urging stakeholders to assess the industry, not only by current achievements but also by envisioning its long-term trajectory.

The convention comprised of three panel discussions with the first one revolving around Navigating Regulatory Changes and Compliance Issues, moderated by UAP Old Mutual’s Clara Kaganzi. The second panel discussion titled “The Future of the Modern-Age Agent: How Will the Industry Evolve in the Next 5 to 10 Years?” was moderated by Liberty General’s Meron Atwine and notably featured Sprint Uganda’s PR Representative, Sophie Mwiza who revealed the company’s recent partnership with an insurer in integrating insurance products into their connectivity services. Through this initiative, the company’s new home Internet package now includes a bundled insurance policy at no additional cost to the customer. 

The third panel session moderated by ICEA Lion’s Annet Namubiru, discussed the topic "Enhancing Leadership Skills to Manage Teams and Drive Performance”. Leading Boards Africa’s Finney Ongole pointed out a common misconception where leadership is often associated with what one possesses, rather than what one has accomplished. The 2023 MTP Industry Agent of the Year and Best MTP Agent (Western Region), Tumwesige Patrick attributed his success to professionalism, trustworthiness, community engagement and access to reliable working resources while the 2023 Life Insurance Agent of the Year, Bob Tayebwa urged agents to foster continuous collaboration, invest in research, and consistently work on building strong personal and organizational brands. 

Last but not least, Daniel Choudry, Lead Sales Expert and Founder of the Daniel Choudry Sales Institute delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking talk, drawing from his extensive experience in sales training, sharing highlights from his transformative journey and offering actionable insights aimed at accelerating growth within the insurance sector. Notably, he emphasised that the power of building trust and genuine connections are the cornerstones of sustainable sales success.

After the insightful session, it was time to network and unwind, which was done in style with a closing cocktail dinner.