Uganda Launches Digital COMESA Yellow Card Verification Platform to Boost Cross-Border Trade and Combat Insurance Fraud
Kampala, Uganda, In a significant move aimed at strengthening regional trade and curbing insurance fraud, Uganda officially launched a new USSD-based COMESA Yellow Card verification system. The tool, accessible by dialing *284*8070#, enables real-time verification of motor vehicle insurance and marks a major step in digitizing and securing cross-border transport across the COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) region.
At the launch event, Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industries & Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, emphasized the pivotal role of seamless cross-border trade in today’s interconnected global economy. He commended the innovation as a game-changer that will enhance efficiency and reduce fraud, especially at key border points like Malaba and Busia.
The Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Re, Ronald Musoke, echoed the sentiment, describing the launch as a milestone in enhancing the security and reliability of motor vehicle insurance under the COMESA Yellow Card Scheme. He confirmed that border enforcement officers have already been trained to use the system effectively.
The COMESA Secretariat CEO, Calven Mutyavaviri, explained that the new platform replaces the inefficient and fraud-prone paper-based system. The USSD-based app does not require internet or airtime, making it widely accessible and cost-free.
Representing the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Brenda Wanene, Assistant Commissioner of Trade, praised the collaborative efforts between COMESA, Uganda Re, and various stakeholders. She highlighted the importance of raising awareness among truck drivers and frequent users of the Yellow Card insurance system.
From the enforcement side, Assistant Director of Traffic, Norman Musinga, welcomed the application as a practical tool to improve compliance and enhance road safety. He stressed the importance of continuous training for police officers and called for proactive technological advancement to prevent cyber threats.
The Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda representative, Sande Protazio, applauded the role of truck driver associations in spreading awareness of the app. He emphasized its utility in insurance claims processing by clearly distinguishing valid from expired or fake policies.
Jonan Kisakye, CEO of the Uganda Insurers Association (UIA), called on URA to take a broader view of the COMESA Yellow Card not just as a compliance tool, but as a potential revenue generator. He also reaffirmed UIA’s support in fighting motor insurance fraud and promoting awareness in partnership with Motor Third Party insurance initiatives.
The Ministry of Works & Transport was also present, with Patience Niwenyine Guma reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to the innovation. She expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to drive nationwide adoption.
From the transporters’ perspective, William Busuulwa, Chairman of the Transporters Association, shared on-the-ground insights. He revealed that 11,000 trucks currently operate along Uganda’s key trade routes, with over 3,500 trucks crossing Malaba and Busia borders daily.
