Efforts to reform health insurance in Uganda are accelerating. The government plans to introduce a mandatory national health insurance system after the 2026 elections.
Mr. Benerd Obel, Supervision Director at the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRAU), confirmed this during a public event. The bill, which Parliament passed in 2021, was later withdrawn. It has remained stuck in Cabinet for over three years. The President now holds it and is expected to provide final guidance soon.
“We hope that after this 2026 election, we shall have a National Health Insurance Act,” Mr. Obel stated. He noted that Rwanda and Kenya are already benefiting from similar systems. He believes Uganda must follow their lead to improve healthcare access and affordability.
While the bill awaits approval, private organizations are already driving change. VisionFund Uganda, in partnership with Turaco Micro-insurance, launched a new micro-health insurance plan. This product targets savings groups in refugee and host communities.
Members pay just Shs600 per month. In return, they receive coverage up to Shs700,000, which includes Hospicash and life insurance. More than 105,000 people have enrolled. So far, the insurer has paid out over 1,637 claims, totaling Shs500 million.
“This product is not just symbolic,” said VisionFund Uganda CEO Mercy Sande Ainomugisha. “It’s a real step toward inclusion, dignity, and hope.” Romeo Juuko, the Principal Officer at Turaco Micro-insurance, agreed. He said insurance must be a right, not a privilege. “It should not only benefit white-collar workers. Low-income earners and refugees deserve it too,” he added.
The insurance design followed detailed market research. The team focused on community needs in Moyo, Aber, and Tororo branches.
Mandatory health insurance in Uganda can ease the financial pressure on families. It will reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and make healthcare affordable. The proposed national system aims to deliver quality care to everyone, regardless of income.
The government also hopes to strengthen risk pooling. This would boost funding for the health sector and lead to better national health outcomes.
Countries like Rwanda show that such systems work. Their mandatory health insurance plans reduce sick days and prevent medical debt. They also support vulnerable groups, including rural residents and refugees.
The VisionFund-Turaco success story shows the power of public-private partnerships. It highlights how inclusive finance can solve real problems. Mr. Obel praised the launch as both “timely” and “innovative.” The IRAU approved the product after reviewing its design, pricing, and coverage.
Stakeholders are hopeful. They believe Uganda will soon pass the National Health Insurance Bill. Once signed, the law will move the country closer to universal health coverage. It will mark a turning point in health policy, social protection, and economic resilience.
Meanwhile, VisionFund and Turaco are proving that accessible health insurance in Uganda is possible—even without a national mandate. Their product offers a working model that serves real people today.
