Overview:
NIC General MD Elias Edu says disciplined governance is foundational as the insurer earns global ISO certification for quality management and risk systems.
KAMPALA — NIC General Insurance Company Ltd. has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification for its non-life services, a move industry leaders say marks a shift toward stricter governance in Uganda’s financial sector.
The certification, issued by the U.K. branch of Bureau Veritas, follows an extensive audit of the company’s quality management systems. It covers the firm’s entire non-life portfolio, including risk assessment, policy issuance and claims settlement.
Elias Edu, the managing director of NIC General, said the award is a defining milestone for a sector currently grappling with rapid technological change and heightened regulatory demands.
As insurers operate in an increasingly complex and competitive environment, disciplined governance and measurable performance standards are no longer optional — they are foundational, Edu said.
The insurer, which traces its history back to the National Insurance Corporation established in 1964, underwent significant restructuring in 2014 to meet new regulatory requirements. Edu said this latest certification is part of a broader strategy to build institutional resilience aligned with global best practices.
Focus on trust and claims
For many policyholders in the region, the speed and transparency of claims remains a primary concern. Betty Matovu, head of non-life at the firm, said the ISO framework is designed to address these specific pain points.
Insurance is not simply a product. It is a contract of trust, Matovu said. This certification validates that our internal processes meet internationally recognized standards.
She added that the new systems would lead to improved turnaround times and more structured handling of claims.
A challenge to the industry
The certification process required NIC General to open its internal operations to international scrutiny. Samuel Opake Praise, head of risk at the firm, said the standardization helps mitigate operational and reputational risks that often plague the industry.
Edwin Kabuleeta, the Bureau Veritas country chair for Uganda and East and Southern Africa, said the achievement should serve as a wake-up call for other players in the market.
In today’s market, good enough is a slow death, Kabuleeta said. This is not just NIC’s success — it is also a challenge to the industry.
The development comes as Ugandan firms face increasing pressure to standardize operations to compete within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Edu said the certification is a foundation for the company’s next phase of growth rather than a final destination.