ICEA LION Uganda joined key stakeholders at the East African Mental Health Summit 2025, held at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, to discuss collaborative approaches for improving mental health services across Uganda and the region.
The summit brought together leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and mental health advocates to explore sustainable solutions.
Representing ICEA LION on the panel was George Kananura, Unit Manager at ICEA LION Life Assurance, who participated in a discussion themed “Corporate Financing for Mental Health Services, including Mental Health Care inside the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Agenda.”
Kananura noted that while corporate investments in green energy and climate projects have increased significantly, mental health initiatives continue to receive limited attention. “There is a lot of focus on investments in climate and energy, but mental health is only now gaining traction. We need to channel more corporate financing towards this area to make a bigger impact,” he said.
He urged companies to collaborate through public-private partnerships and blended financing models to strengthen support for mental health programmes. Kananura also highlighted opportunities for direct corporate investments in mental health awareness and support initiatives.
The insurance industry, he added, is increasingly recognising mental illness as a legitimate and essential component of health coverage. By integrating mental health into insurance packages, the sector is helping to combat stigma and enhance access to treatment — a shift that underscores the growing understanding that mental health is central to overall well-being and sustainable development.
“Insurance is a critical component of mental health because it underscores the importance of planning ahead,” Kananura explained. “When a family loses a breadwinner or faces a serious illness, the financial strain can lead to trauma and long-term psychological distress. Insurance helps families manage these challenges with dignity and peace of mind.”
He further noted that financial insecurity remains one of the biggest triggers of mental distress in households. “There’s a strong link between how families cope after the loss of a breadwinner and the mental health of dependents,” he observed.
Kananura also called for more inclusive insurance models to reach low-income earners who often remain excluded from private schemes. “We must find ways to make insurance accessible to those who cannot afford private coverage but still need these vital services,” he added.
ICEA LION’s participation in the summit, held in partnership with Strong Minds Uganda, reaffirms its ongoing commitment to advancing mental health awareness and support. The company emphasised that mental health is integral to both social and economic development.
ICEA LION remains dedicated to promoting holistic well-being through financial security, social investment, and partnerships that strengthen mental health systems in Uganda and across East Africa.
