By Lilian Ntege
Global insurance powerhouse Sanlam|Allianz has officially launched its operations in Uganda, marking a new chapter for the country’s insurance sector and signaling a push toward wider financial inclusion and customer-centred innovation.
The unveiling, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, follows the completion of a continental merger between South Africa’s Sanlam Group and Germany’s Allianz SE, a partnership designed to create Africa’s largest non-bank financial services provider. The Ugandan launch now positions the new entity to leverage both global expertise and local experience to expand insurance coverage across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Ruth Namuli, Chief Executive Officer of SanlamAllianz General Insurance Uganda, said the company’s entry will set a new standard for insurance service delivery through technology, tailored products, and client-first innovation. She noted that Uganda’s low insurance penetration currently below 2% presents both a challenge and an opportunity for transformation.
Her counterpart, Gary Corbit, Chief Executive Officer of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Uganda, emphasized that the firm’s strategy is rooted in long-term value creation. “We are not just selling policies; we are offering protection, peace of mind, and financial resilience for Ugandan families and businesses,” he said.
The SanlamAllianz brand combines Sanlam’s century-long experience in African markets with Allianz’s global reputation in risk management and innovation. The result is a unified entity expected to enhance product diversification, accelerate digital insurance adoption, and strengthen consumer confidence in the sector.
Uganda’s Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has already approved the consolidation of previous operations under the new brand, reflecting growing regulatory support for mergers that promise stronger capital bases and improved service quality.
Analysts believe the launch could ignite renewed competition among local insurers, many of whom have been slow to digitize their operations. The firm’s arrival also coincides with an increase in strategic partnerships between insurers and fintech companies, aimed at reaching rural and informal-sector clients through mobile-based platforms.
Industry observers expect SanlamAllianz to introduce a mix of life, general, and micro-insurance products tailored to Uganda’s evolving market needs. With a focus on affordability, claims transparency, and speed of service, the company is betting on rebuilding public trust in an industry often criticized for limited coverage and bureaucratic delays.