The Insurance Training College (ITC), in partnership with Statewide Insurance Company (SWICO), recently hosted the 8th Hon. John Ssebaana Kizito Memorial Lecture. Held on September 18, 2025, at Hotel Brovad in Masaka, the annual event honored the life and work of a man who was instrumental in shaping Uganda's insurance sector. Under the theme "Embracing Insurance for Sustainable Development," the lecture served as a platform to discuss how insurance can drive resilience and long-term growth. It brought together a diverse audience of industry leaders, government officials, academics, and students.
A Legacy of Local Leadership
Speakers throughout the day celebrated Ssebaana Kizito's enduring impact. ITC Principal Saul Sseremba hailed him as a visionary who enabled Ugandans to own, manage, and thrive in an industry once dominated by foreign firms, calling him "the father of insurance." Sseremba highlighted how Ssebaana's work, from forming an association for practitioners to founding Uganda's first locally owned insurance company, continues to inspire a new generation to appreciate the rich history of the sector.
Alhaj Dr. Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), delivered the keynote address, reflecting on Ssebaana's many roles as a businessman, politician, and mentor. He noted that Ssebaana's businesses, like SWICO and Interstate Brokers Agency, are still thriving decades later. Beyond business, Dr. Kaddunabbi remembered Ssebaana for his civic leadership, including his work as Mayor of Kampala and his role in establishing Muteesa 1 Royal University.
From Legacy to Action: Insurance as a Catalyst for Growth
The lecture transitioned from honoring the past to inspiring the future by focusing on the practical application of insurance for sustainable development. Dr. Kaddunabbi emphasized the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. He stated that by integrating ESG, Ugandan insurers can design products that address critical issues like climate-related risks and financial inclusion through affordable coverage.
The subsequent panel discussion, moderated by Paul Katabalwa, provided tangible examples of this vision in action:
• Makosya John, Chief Operations & Impact Officer of Agro Consortium (U) Ltd, highlighted how agriculture insurance acts as a lifeline for farmers, helping them recover from droughts and storms to ensure food security.
• Jennifer Mirembe Ssensuwa, CEO of Weerinde Insurance Brokerage Services Ltd, focused on business resilience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), explaining how insurance helps entrepreneurs safeguard investments and continue to create jobs.
• Ronald Zake, Managing Director of Grand Micro Insurance, reminded the audience that insurance is not a luxury but a necessity for all, including rural communities, as it enables inclusive participation in the economy.
The presence of students from several secondary schools underscored the event's commitment to inspiring the next generation. The 8th John Ssebaana Kizito Memorial Lecture was more than just a tribute; it was a clear call to action, demonstrating that by embracing innovation and sustainability, insurance can become a true catalyst for Uganda's development.