Ms Dorcus Kuhimbisa instead of being hard on herself, focuses on minimising the impact of her imperfections and continuously working towards becoming better.

Dorcus Kuhimbisa, the chief operations officer of Jubilee Insurance, has built her career in the insurance industry over the years.
She has worked with several insurance companies, rising through the ranks due to what she calls “miracles beyond explanation”.
As COO, she oversees insurance administration across various business functions. Kuhimbisa is a devoted bornagain Christian, a mother, and a wife.
In this interview, she shares her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout her career in the insurance industry.

Briefly tell us about your educational background.
I attended primary school at Kitante Primary School and later joined Maryhill High School, where I completed my six years in 2006. We were the millennial candidates. My father, the late Enock Nuwagaba, passed away when I was about six years old. My mother, Enid Nuwagaba, raised us with love and dedication.
I have only a few memories of my father since I was very young when he passed away, however, I cherish the photographs that help me remember him.
I am grateful for the technology of photography because, without it, some of us would struggle to know what our fathers looked like.
Alongside my mother, I was blessed with loving relatives. After my father’s passing, raising me became a shared responsibility.
While my mother was present, I spent most of my time with my aunties in Kampala, especially Uncle Joe and Auntie Beatrice. It was a warm and loving family environment with their dear children.

Please share with us your journey of how you joined the insurance world.
In 2007, I enrolled at Makerere University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, which I completed in 2011. Pursuing actuarial science was not by accident. [Actuarial science is a discipline that uses statistics and math to assess risk in various industries.]
I did my internship at Liberty Life, where I was introduced to professionals in the industry. One of my mentors advised me to prepare my CV, actively seek opportunities, and remain proactive.
Later that year, in October, there was an opening for interns at IHK as data entry clerks. However, an opportunity arose at Goldstar Insurance Company, where I had previously submitted my CV.
Although I initially did not qualify for a position in the general insurance department due to a lack of experience, my CV was kept on standby.
Eventually, an opening emerged in the life insurance department, which was just starting. Since the person handling some activities was transitioning to another role, I was selected as the next best option at Goldstar. That marked the beginning of my career in life insurance.

Who inspired you to pursue a degree in actuarial science?
One of my uncles, who was a COO in an insurance company at the time, influenced my decision.
When I was filling out my university application forms, we consulted him, and he suggested actuarial science, given that I had studied PEM/Arts (Physics,Economics, and Mathematics) at A-level

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a female leader?
As a COO, one of the challenges I have encountered is that many people look up to you, some assuming you have already “arrived” at the peak of success, but leadership is an ongoing journey.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced in balancing different roles is being a perfect child to my parents, a wife to my husband, a mother to my children, a sister to my siblings, a friend, and at the same time, an excellent employee and a good leader.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to manage all these responsibilities. However, one thing that has helped me is acknowledging that I am not a robot. I have learned to slow down and give myself grace.
It’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to miss a friend’s meeting, a family engagement, or even to make mistakes at work. What matters is learning from those experiences and striving to improve. Instead of being hard on myself, I focus on minimising the impact of my imperfections and continuously working towards becoming better

Amidst all those challenges, what keeps you focused?
For me, faith has been my anchor. I have been born again since Primary Four and have had a personal journey with Christ. Some may wonder if I physically walk with Him. Almost, I would say, because I have witnessed miracles beyond explanation.
My faith reminds me of the essentials of being humble, patient and resilient.
It helps me put challenges into perspective, knowing that no struggle lasts forever. While some may see obstacles as insurmountable, I remind myself that they are temporary and manageable.
If you are struggling, find the right person to talk to. I don’t keep secrets because I believe that once I share something, I should be okay with others knowing. It’s crucial to talk and let things out.

What major innovations or breakthroughs has Jubilee Insurance introduced under your leadership?
Why do you think they were successful?
One of my key achievements is my ability to work well with people. Even in my previous workplaces, I knew how to engage with my teams and bring out the best in them. People management is a skill I have mastered, thanks to the guidance of my mentors.
I have contributed to significant projects, from supporting start-up companies in Uganda to leading major automation and process streamlining initiatives. Although no system is ever perfect, I take pride in the progress made and the impact created.
Also, Jubilee has provided opportunities to enhance employees’ experiences through system automation, streamlined client journeys, and reduced complaints. The goal is to create a structured
work environment where employees do not feel overwhelmed or drained by inefficiencies

What strategies do you use to mentor and empower young women?
To women, I say, slow down. Rushing through life can make you feel like you are achieving a lot, but at what cost?
You may excel in your career but later realise you neglected your relationships with your children, friends, or colleagues.
You may become a manager, but if no one wants to work with you, is that truly success? Slowing down allows for self-reflection and emotional intelligence. Before reacting or thinking you have “arrived,” consider how others perceive your successes and failures.
Success is a collection of small, meaningful actions over time, not just academic achievements or networking.
Life’s journey is not a vertical climb — it’s a steady incline with curves that shape our experiences and prepare us for greater challenges.
Also, for the women in my department, I ensure we have open discussions about their aspirations and challenges. I do not just give instructions; I lead by example. If the task is related to underwriting, claims, or insurance operations, I actively participate. This approach helps employees see the value of their contributions and boosts their confidence.

What is one regret you have and wish you could fix if you could go back in time?
One of my greatest regrets is not cultivating a reading culture. I struggle to read books, even novels. In high school, I would only read the most interesting parts because I was too impatient to go through entire books.
Looking back, I realise that reading offers valuable insights, as books share experiences of those who have walked similar paths before us. The lessons in books could have guided me through challenges more efficiently.

Who are your role models and mentors in the industry of insurance?
In leadership, Mr Malik Arjun, CEO at Prudential at the time I was there, Mr Zephaniah Dube, and Mr Solomon Rubondo. Mr Paul Kavuma, now CEO at Jubilee Allianz, has also been a great mentor. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth.
Then also one such person is Miriam Matembe. I deeply respect her dedication to fighting for women’s rights. Her passion for advocating for girl children, challenging inequality, and making a difference in society is something I admire and would love to incorporate into my legacy. I want to be remembered as someone who stood up for the rights of young girls and women.
I have learned that mentors come in phases. I once envied those who had lifelong mentors guiding them since high school.
However, I later realised I was surrounded by mentors all along, I just needed to recognise and tap into their wisdom.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE…
What is the most bought item in your wardrobe?

Earrings In your bad times, what do you do?
People don’t know, but I cry and in my bad times.

One thing you do before you sleep?
Pray

What are your hobbies?
I love to rest and rest, maybe sleeping, watching, sitting at home, and going on a date with my husband.

Most visited place?
I try to explore and enjoy some of the hotels we have here. I am on a mission to make sure I have spent at least a night or two in each one of them. I think I have knocked off five.