Britam Uganda Launches Life Assurance Business Under ‘Britam Life’

Britam Uganda has officially launched its life assurance business, expanding its footprint in the country with an initial focus on Group Life and Credit Life insurance products.

Branded as “Britam Life,” the new entity is designed to provide risk protection solutions for individuals, families, and financial institutions. The launch comes at a time when demand for accessible, customized life insurance in Uganda is on the rise.

“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 rollout coincides with the Britam Group’s 60th anniversary, which is being celebrated under the theme “We’ve Got Life.”

Having entered the Ugandan market in 2010, Britam has grown into one of the country’s leading insurers. The introduction of Britam Life marks a significant step in strengthening its capacity to serve both institutional and individual clients within Uganda’s evolving economy.

According to the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda’s 2023 performance report, national insurance penetration stood at just 0.87%, with life insurance contributing 38% of total gross written premiums.

Despite steady growth in recent years, overall insurance coverage remains low—particularly in the life assurance segment—highlighting the need for innovative, inclusive, and accessible solutions.

Group Life Assurance offers financial protection to employees and their families in the event of death, with benefits usually tied to salary multiples and customizable options. Credit Life Assurance protects lenders from loan defaults in the event of a borrower’s death, promoting responsible lending and risk management for financial institutions.

Grace Makoko, Chairperson of Britam Life Assurance Uganda, described the launch as both timely and essential.

“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. We’re proud to support this expansion into life assurance as part of Britam’s broader strategy for long-term growth in Uganda,” she said.

Britam Life will leverage the Group’s strong technical capacity and experience across seven African markets. In Kenya, Britam holds the largest market share in life insurance, commanding over 25% of the segment, built on innovation, broad distribution, and customer loyalty.

“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.

Tom Gitogo, Group Managing Director and CEO of Britam Holdings PLC, underscored Uganda’s importance in the Group’s regional operations.

“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,” Gitogo said.

Beyond traditional life cover, Britam also offers products addressing major life events. These include total and permanent disability, which pays a lump sum in case of irreversible disability; critical illness cover for conditions such as cancer, stroke, or heart disease; funeral last expense to ease the financial burden of funeral costs; and a retrenchment rider that provides support in case of involuntary job loss.

These offerings allow clients to build comprehensive, personalized insurance solutions that go beyond basic coverage to provide financial stability during challenging times.

“This is not just a product launch,” Mwebaze emphasized. “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.”