ICEA LION injects Shs 100m into IBAU annual conference

2026-03-21 - 09:55

More than 450 delegates are expected to convene in Mbarara next month as insurance brokers shift focus toward small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and individual clients in a bid to deepen insurance penetration. The Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda (IBAU) is set to host its 8th Annual Conference with renewed momentum after ICEA LION General Insurance announced a Shs 100 million sponsorship for the three-day industry gathering. The sponsorship was unveiled at the ICEA LION head office at Rwenzori Courts. The conference, scheduled for April 22–24, 2026, at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara, will bring together insurance brokers, underwriters, regulators and business leaders under the theme: “Trust Reimagined: Delivering on the Promise.” Daniel Kairu, head of business development and marketing at ICEA LION, described the partnership as a continuation of the insurer’s commitment to strengthening the industry. “As ICEA LION, this has always been a great initiative for the insurance industry and, like last year, it was a no-brainer for us to once again come on board as Gold Sponsors,” Kairu said. The insurer said the conference provides a platform for collaboration across the sector while reinforcing the role of brokers in connecting insurers to clients. Edward Nambafu, conference convener and chief executive officer of Minet Uganda Insurance Brokers, said this year’s discussions will place particular emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual consumers, segments that have historically remained underserved. “This year we want to channel the conversation towards micro, small and medium enterprises and individuals instead of targeting corporates alone,” Nambafu said. “Often they are the unresponded-to part of the insurance population, yet they form the backbone of our economy.” He added that the 2026 conference will, for the first time, attract participants outside the insurance sector as the association seeks to broaden engagement and awareness about the value of insurance. Ritah Mutesi Kabayiza, vice chairperson of IBAU, said the association plans to introduce new initiatives aimed at extending the conference’s impact beyond the meeting halls. Among them is a city activation campaign culminating in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive intended to engage the public and promote insurance awareness. “We want to do something different this year, starting with a city activation that will lead into a CSR drive. It’s about connecting with communities and demonstrating the value of insurance in everyday life,” Kabayiza said. The conference continues to grow into one of the most important gatherings for the insurance industry in the region. The 2026 meeting builds on previous editions, including the 2024 conference at Mbale Resort Hotel and last year’s gathering in Mbarara, which focused on empowering brokers, strengthening customer-centric business models, and exploring innovation and sustainability in the industry.