Liberty Life Assurance Uganda has announced a phased withdrawal from its health insurance business in Uganda, signaling a major realignment of its business priorities in East Africa.
The development follows a comprehensive business review by its parent company, Liberty Group, in 2024, which saw the decision to wind down the South African operations of Liberty Health (Pty) Ltd (LH) and localize operations to markets with in-country insurance licensing.
In a letter dated 19 June 2025 addressed to healthcare providers and signed by Joseph Almeida, the Managing Director of Liberty Life Assurance Uganda, the company confirmed that it would cease offering Liberty Health Cover in Uganda by 31 May 2026, once all existing employer group policies expire.
“It has become clear that the long-term viability of the Liberty health offering in Uganda is no longer feasible,” Almeida stated. “This is due to the operational integration and specialized services support from LH to the Uganda health team.”
The announcement underscores a strategic refocus of Liberty Group on life insurance and investment-linked products where the company holds domestic licenses.
According to Almeida, while the health insurance arm is being wound down, the life insurance segment “remains strong and will continue to operate and provide all product offerings applicable under our life licence.”
Despite the phase-out, Liberty has assured healthcare partners and policyholders of continuity in services through the transition period.
The letter emphasizes that all insured employer groups and their employees will remain covered until 31 May 2026, unless policies are terminated earlier.
“Our operations will continue as normal until the end of December 2026,” the company noted, pointing out that all claim payments for services rendered will remain unaffected.
“Eligible claims for members with a policy termination date of 31 May 2026 would need to be submitted within 120 days from the date of treatment.”
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“There should be no change to the way in which you currently assist our members with their healthcare needs,” the letter reads.
Liberty Life Assurance Uganda, a subsidiary of Liberty Group (which is owned by the Standard Bank Group), emphasized its ongoing commitment to clients during the transition.
“We remain committed to delivering a continued high level of service and support to all our members and partners to ensure minimal disruption during the wind-down period,” said Almeida.
Liberty Life earned UGX 19.6 billion in net premiums, had 265 policies and held 10.8 percent market share at 5th position in the life segment in the first quarter of 2025.
The insurer also provided contact points for inquiries, including Dr. Francis Kasozi, Frank Tindyebwa, and Joseph Almeida, as part of efforts to maintain open channels of communication during the transition.
Industry analysts see the move as part of a broader trend by multinationals to retreat from markets with regulatory or structural limitations, especially in sectors like healthcare insurance where licensing and service integration play a critical role.
The exit is expected to leave a gap in Uganda’s private health insurance landscape, especially for corporate clients who have relied on Liberty’s comprehensive health cover solutions.
It remains to be seen how competitors in the market — such as Jubilee Health, UAP Old Mutual, and Prudential — will respond to the exit.
