Health 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ugandans Bear 30% Health Costs Out-of-Pocket as Buganda Launches Affordable Insurance
Out-of-pocket health spending in Uganda makes up 30-40% of total expenditure, rising by Shs88.3 billion from 2019/2020 to 2020/2021, with only 500,000 of 45 million people insured. Buganda Kingdom has teamed up with Jubilee Life Insurance to offer a Shs198,000 annual plan covering common illnesses and hospital needs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/insurance/ugandans-pay-30-of-health-costs-out-of-pocket-5417430
Ugandans face heavy financial strain from healthcare, paying 30-40% of costs directly from their pockets. This often leads to tough choices between medical care and basic needs, as shown in Ministry of Health data.
Out-of-pocket spending jumped by Shs88.3 billion between 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, reaching Shs2.30 trillion. The 2024 census highlights the gap: just 500,000 out of 45 million have insurance, and only 11% grasp how it works.
To ease this burden, Buganda Kingdom partnered with Jubilee Life Insurance Uganda for a low-cost plan at Shs198,000 yearly. It covers malaria, typhoid, respiratory issues, hospital stays, disability, and death.
Jubilee’s acting CEO, Eugene Mutekhele, called it a shift from temporary camps to lasting protection, preventing asset sales or high-interest loans for care.
Buganda’s Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga noted the kingdom’s deep health legacy, from ancient clan roles to modern initiatives under Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Kabaka Foundation CEO Eddie Kaggwa Njagala pointed to high premiums like Shs800,000 as a barrier for low-income earners, stressing the need for awareness.
This scheme aims to boost financial planning and livelihoods in underserved areas.
Source: Daily Monitor