Government Reaffirms Commitment to Launch National Health Insurance Scheme
Government is committed to launching a National Health Insurance Scheme to provide affordable healthcare for all Ugandans, with new legislation in progress that would require citizens over 18 to enroll and pay a small annual premium.
The State Minister of Finance for General Duties, Henry Musasizi, has affirmed the Government’s commitment to launching the National Health Insurance Scheme, emphasizing it as “a vital initiative to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Ugandans.”
Musasizi made these remarks during an insurance stakeholder engagement event in Kampala, aimed at evaluating the sector’s progress, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance.
In March 2021, Parliament passed the National Health Insurance Bill, which sought to establish the National Health Insurance Scheme. However, the President withheld assent due to disagreements regarding its implementation framework. The Bill mandates all Ugandans aged 18 and above to contribute towards healthcare services access.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is drafting a revised legislation, which will require all Ugandans aged 18 and above to enroll in the proposed scheme and pay a premium. Ministry officials have suggested an annual contribution of UGX 15,000 per person.
Encouraging Growth in the Insurance Sector
Also addressing the audience on Friday, Musasizi highlighted the steady growth and increasing relevance of the insurance sector within Uganda’s economy.
“We are witnessing encouraging growth in gross written premiums, underscoring the sector’s resilience and capacity to attract new business,” he remarked.
According to recent reports, the insurance sector paid out claims amounting to UGX 820.47 billion in 2023, reflecting a 36.84% increase from UGX 599.59 billion in 2022.
Musasizi noted that the Government has played a crucial role in supporting the insurance sector’s growth through initiatives like the agriculture insurance premium subsidy, which helps farmers manage risks and ensure food security.
