Photo: Fredynjeje, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Business insurance and work injury in Uganda
Business insurance in Uganda: workers' compensation and property
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Every employer in Uganda must insure and keep insured its liability under the Workers Compensation Act (s.18). Failing to do so is fined in currency points (1 point = UGX 20,000): up to 10 points on a first conviction, 20 on a second, and 150 points and/or 12 months on a third. Accidents must be reported to the labour officer at once (s.10).
Workers' compensation
From the Workers Compensation Act, Cap. 225:
| Section | Rule |
|---|---|
| 18(1) | Every employer shall insure and keep insured against its liability under the Act |
| 18(5) | Fine up to 10 currency points (1st conviction), 20 (2nd), 150 and/or 12 months (3rd) |
| 10 | Report an accident to the labour officer at once; failure: up to 10 currency points |
| First Schedule | 1 currency point = UGX 20,000 |
Property and other covers
IRA explains that property insurance covers buildings and business contents against risks such as fire or theft, and may cover equipment breakdown, debris removal and some water damage; you cannot insure the same property with two insurers to be paid twice (IRA FAQ). All local risks must be insured with an insurer licensed in Uganda.
When you claim, IRA's deadlines apply:
| Step | Deadline for the insurer |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge your claim | 3 working days |
| Appoint an assessor | 3 working days (5 for complex claims) |
| Offer or refuse, with reasons | 5 working days after the final report or documents |
| Pay a claim up to UGX 10 million | 10 working days after you sign the discharge voucher |
| Pay UGX 10–50 million | 15 working days |
| Pay over UGX 50 million | 20 working days |
What would you like to do now?
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation insurance compulsory in Uganda?
Yes. Section 18 of the Workers Compensation Act requires every employer to insure and keep insured against its liability.