The product is designed to fill the gap between statutory third-party insurance—which is legally required but limited—and full motor comprehensive cover, which many drivers find too expensive.
According to a 2020 Insurance Regulatory Authority report, 86% of Ugandan car owners only purchase third-party insurance, leaving their vehicles exposed to greater risks.
What “Protecta Bode” Covers
“Protecta Bode” is tailored to meet the needs of everyday motorists. Its name combines local and English influences: “Protecta” from the English word “protect” and “Bode” from the Luganda word for “body,” directly pointing to its focus on protecting a vehicle’s body.
The package provides compensation for accidental damage to the vehicle’s body, including repairs, panel beating, and replacement of parts at Liberty-approved garages. It also includes third-party liability cover for injury, death, or property damage. In addition, drivers benefit from medical or life cover after accidents. Premiums are set at an affordable 1.5% of the car’s market value.
This makes “Protecta Bode” broader than statutory third-party insurance but more affordable than full comprehensive insurance, which many drivers find out of reach.
The product will first be rolled out to 6,000 SafeCar drivers but is expected to expand as a standalone option. The plan also targets SafeBoda’s network of over 9,000 riders, some of whom may eventually transition from boda riding to car ownership.
Peter Makhanu, Managing Director of Liberty General Insurance Uganda, said:
“By focusing on car body coverage through ‘Protecta Bode,’ we’re making insurance relatable and attainable, starting with SafeBoda’s trusted network to bring real value to drivers on the road.”
Samuel F. Mwogeza, Executive Director and Head of Personal & Private Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda, noted:
“This is more than coverage—it’s a step toward economic resilience for drivers facing daily risks.”
SafeBoda’s Country Director, Christian Wamambe, added:
“‘Protecta Bode’ not only offers affordable protection but also supports our mission to improve driver welfare and road safety. Together, we’re empowering over 15,000 drivers and riders.”
Alongside the launch, the partners announced a road safety campaign that includes training boda riders at the SafeBoda Academy, installing zebra crossings in 10 Kampala locations, and putting up additional road signage to improve safety ahead of the festive season.
This is not the first collaboration between Liberty, Stanbic, and SafeBoda. In 2023, the three launched SafeRide, an insurance product that protected passengers during boda rides. That initiative won the “Most Innovative Bancassurance Agent 2023” award at the Insurance Regulatory Authority Awards in March 2024.