NIC Life Compensates Family of Ugandan Worker Who Died in Dubai

NIC Life Assurance, in partnership with Spades Insurance Brokers, has fulfilled its commitment by paying Shs30 million to the grieving family of Sadiq Bakole, a Ugandan migrant worker who died in Dubai.

Bakole, a 30-year-old native of Arua, had only recently relocated to Dubai in November 2025, seeking better employment opportunities. His elder brother, Sadiq Bakit, shared that Bakole had previously worked in South Sudan for approximately five years before making the journey to the UAE.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chris Ssengendo, Managing Director of Spades Insurance Brokers, confirmed that Bakole was enrolled in the Uganda Migrant Workers’ Insurance Scheme (UMIS) offered by NIC Life Assurance before his departure. “When he passed away, NIC Life, as insurers, and Spades Insurance Brokers were obligated through the regulatory authority to honour our promise,” Ssengendo stated.

The UMIS scheme, introduced two years ago, provides substantial benefits for migrant workers, including up to Shs50 million for death, repatriation of the body, and burial expenses. The scheme requires a premium of Shs250,000 for a two-year coverage period, translating to about Shs10,000 per month.

Beyond death benefits, the insurance also covers cases of injury, permanent disability, and critical illness. Anthony Lubandi, CEO of NIC Life Assurance, advocated for making this insurance mandatory for all Ugandan migrant workers, emphasizing its affordability and the significant financial relief it offers families facing unexpected tragedies abroad.

Lubandi highlighted that the Shs30 million death benefit is intended to ease the financial burden on families who have lost a breadwinner. He also mentioned potential school-fee benefits for children, depending on declarations made at registration. To date, approximately 4,500 Ugandan migrant workers have registered for the scheme, with over Shs276 million paid out to families in the past two years.

This payout to Bakole’s family underscores the critical role of such insurance schemes in supporting Ugandan citizens working abroad. The family expressed their shock at the sudden loss but acknowledged the support provided by NIC Life Assurance. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers and the importance of adequate insurance coverage.

This payout was made possible through NIC Life Assurance and Spades Insurance Brokers, as reported by Nile Post.