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Four years later, Insurance Appeals Tribunal resolves 26 cases
Mr George Steven Okotha, a member of the Insurance Appeals Tribunal of Uganda. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- To expedite the resolution of disputes and enhance public trust in insurance, the Complaints Bureau was established.
- Individuals dissatisfied with the Bureau's decision can file an appeal with the Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
A total of 26 appeals have been disposed of since the Insurance Appeals Tribunal was established in 2021.
The Tribunal was created to review the Insurance Complaints Bureau’s decisions with the hope of addressing client grievances.
Mr George Steven Okotha, a member of the Insurance Appeals Tribunal of Uganda, notes that the Tribunal's proceedings are designed to ensure that Ugandans receive quality service from insurance firms and build trust among citizens. This trust is essential for increasing the uptake of insurance in the country.
"Since 2021, we have resolved over 26 appeals, with about one or two cases reaching the High Court. This indicates that we are striving to do the right thing," Mr Okotha remarked.
The Tribunal operates under the mandate of the Insurance Act, allowing for the review of decisions made by the Complaints Bureau.
Mr Okotha notes, “Before the establishment of the Complaints Bureau and now the Tribunal, anyone dissatisfied with an insurance decision had to go through the courts, which could be a lengthy process.”
To expedite the resolution of disputes and enhance public trust in insurance, the Complaints Bureau was established. Individuals dissatisfied with the Bureau's decision can file an appeal with the Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
"We are independent and separate from the Insurance Regulatory Authority," he emphasized.
According to the Insurance Act, the Tribunal is required to resolve an appeal within 90 days, which is crucial in fostering trust.
"If you are unhappy with the Complaints Bureau's decision, you must appeal to the Insurance Tribunal within 90 days from the time the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) makes its decision. You have 30 days to file the appeal, and we shall aim to resolve it within 90 days. If you are still dissatisfied with our decision, the law allows you 30 days to either comply with the decision or appeal to the High Court. This streamlined process makes it much easier for individuals to seek resolution," he explained.
Mr Okotha encourages the public to understand this process clearly: "Lodge your complaint with the Complaints Bureau first. If you are not satisfied, appeal to the Insurance Appeals Tribunal. We shall decide within 90 days."
