From 21 December 2018, Uber driver-partners and riders in Uganda will have more peace of mind when using Uber, as Uber has announced the roll out of Injury Protection, provided by UAP Old Mutual. This announcement forms part of Uber’s global commitment across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region and is a unique, first of its kind solution for drivers and riders using technology apps across Uganda.
Injury protection will apply to all uberX and uberBODA rides and at no additional cost. All driver-partners will benefit from this innovative cover; from the moment they accept a trip, while driving to pick up a rider, and until the trip ends. Riders will be covered from the time their ride begins, until the trip ends.
In the unfortunate event of an accident or a crime-related incident resulting in an injury during a trip, riders and driver-partners will have access to the following benefits:
Medical cover: If an accident happens On-Trip, this cover reimburses drivers and riders for necessary medical treatment costs up to UGX 1,875,000. In addition, this cover reimburses ambulance service costs.
Death and funeral payments: In the unfortunate event that a driver-partner or rider dies as a result of an accident On-Trip, their dependents or heirs will benefit from a lump sum payment of UGX 7,500,000 . They will also obtain an amount of UGX 750,000 for funeral expenses.
Permanent disability payments: In the unfortunate event that a user suffers a permanent disability as a result of an accident On-Trip, they will benefit from a lump sum payment up to UGX 7,500,000. The amount depends on the severity of the disability, as determined by UAP Old Mutual.
Daily payment benefit for drivers (injury): If a driver is hospitalized for more than 48 hours as a result of an accident that happened On-Trip and are thereafter unable to drive because of those injuries, they will receive a daily payment of UGX 13,000 for up to 30 days whilst they are medically certified by a doctor as unfit to work.
Commenting on the partnership, Aaron Tindiseega, Country Manager Uganda at Uber explains, “We believe this partnership with UAP Old Mutual will play a huge role in achieving our goal of reliable, affordable, and safe transportation options for all Ugandans. We’ll carry on taking feedback on board from all our users to ensure we further improve their experience so they can use Uber with more confidence.”
Anthony Githuka, Managing Director for UAP Old Mutual Life Assurance Uganda explains, “As a dynamic Pan-African business we recognise that we have a significant role, partnering with other stakeholders to support our clients by protecting what’s most important to them. This innovative product offering, is a great example of that, and we look forward to a long term mutual beneficial partnership.”
This Injury Protection policy, which is going live on 21 December 2018, has been tailored specifically for those drivers on the road and for riders who need a safe, reliable and affordable option to move around their city. Uber continues to build on the security available through the Uber app and ensuring a safer ride during every journey booked through the Uber app. Uber recently launched a Safety Toolkit with new features such as a Safety Centre and Trusted Contacts for riders and customisable speed alerts and a driver emergency button which connects drivers directly to private security response when needed through a third party supplier.
Editors Note: This is a Press Release
