On August 29th, 2024, SWICO in partnership with the Insurance Training College (ITC) hosted the 7th John Ssebaana Kizito Memorial Lecture at Muteesa 1 Royal University, Mengo, Kampala. This event honored the legacy of John Ssebaana Kizito, co-founder of SWICO, the first Ugandan-owned insurance company established in 1982, and a key figure in the foundation of the Insurance Institute of Uganda (IIU), which evolved into the Insurance Training College in 2017.
The event featured Hon. Balaam Barugahara Attenyi, Minister of State for Gender and Youth Affairs, as the chief guest, alongside keynote speaker Jonan Kisakye, CEO of the Uganda Insurers Association. The gathering also included students from various universities, including Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Gulu University, Makerere University Business School – Mbale Campus, Bugema University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).
Focusing on the theme “A Leap into the Labour Market: Opportunities for the Insurance Industry,” the lecture aimed to inspire university students by showcasing the vast opportunities within the insurance sector. Saul Sseremba, CEO of ITC, highlighted the importance of introducing insurance knowledge to the youth early in their careers to foster enthusiasm and informed career choices.
Jonan Kisakye emphasized the tremendous potential within the insurance industry, noting its fast growth and the myriad of professional opportunities it offers, even as the sector’s penetration in Uganda remains below 1%. He outlined how the industry accommodates various professions, including doctors, engineers, accountants, marketers, and more.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara Attenyi commended ITC for continuing to honor the late Ssebaana Kizito, describing him as a calm and resilient leader who personally encouraged him to take up his first insurance policy. He also stressed the importance of insurance as a form of disaster preparedness on a personal level.
The event not only honored our co-founder but also highlighted the critical role of insurance in Uganda’s economic landscape. We extend our gratitude to ITC, the participating universities, and all the distinguished guests for making the 7th John Ssebaana Kizito Memorial Lecture a success.