Motor Third Party (MTP) insurance is a legal requirement for all vehicle owners in Uganda. However, many drivers forget to renew their cover until they encounter a traffic stop. Fortunately, paying for MTP insurance is now easier than ever thanks to digital payment solutions that allow you to complete the process from your phone.
This guide explains how you can quickly and securely pay for your MTP insurance using MTN, Airtel, or Centenary Bank Agency Banking.
What is Motor Third Party Insurance?
Motor Third Party insurance provides protection to third parties—such as pedestrians, passengers, or other road users—in the event of an accident involving your vehicle. It’s mandatory in Uganda, and failure to have valid cover could result in penalties or legal liability for accident-related damages.
Why Switch to Digital Payments for MTP Insurance?
Previously, renewing your MTP insurance required visiting an insurance office or agent, presenting your vehicle logbook, paying in cash, and waiting for a sticker. This process was time-consuming and often unreliable, with the risk of receiving counterfeit insurance stickers.
To streamline this experience, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Ministry of Works and Transport, and telecom companies introduced a digital system. This allows drivers to make payments via mobile phones or Centenary Bank agents with instant verification and more secure documentation.
How to Pay Motor Third Party Insurance Using Your Phone
For MTN Users:
- Dial *165#
- Select Option 4 – Payments
- Choose Option 5 – Fees and Taxes
- Select Option 5 – Motor Third Party
- Enter your vehicle details
- Confirm and complete payment
For Airtel Users:
- Dial *185#
- Select Option 7 – Financial Services
- Choose Option 3 – Insurance
- Select Option 1 – Motor Third Party
- Enter your vehicle details
- Confirm and complete payment
For Centenary Bank Agency Banking:
Visit a CenteAgent and provide your vehicle registration details. The agent will enter the necessary information into the system and assist you with the payment process.
Important Note: Your Vehicle Must Be in the URA eTax System
To access this service, your vehicle must be registered in the URA eTax database. If your car is still in the old vehicle management system, you’ll need to update it.
To validate your vehicle:
- Visit the URA website at ura.go.ug
- Go to the “Guides” section
- Click on “How to use e-Services”
- Select “Motor Vehicle” and then “How to validate your motor vehicle”
- Follow the steps to log in and update your vehicle information
What Happens After You Make Payment?
After successful payment, you’ll receive a text message with your insurance sticker number. You can then visit any licensed insurance company to print the sticker. This sticker must be displayed on your vehicle as proof of insurance.
The system is linked to the IRA database, so all issued stickers are authentic and verifiable by traffic officers and inspectors.
Advantages of Digital MTP Payments
- Fast and convenient: Pay from your phone without visiting an office
- Secure: Reduces the risk of counterfeit stickers
- Transparent: Payments are recorded and verified in real time
- Empowering: Encourages self-service and easier compliance
What to Do if You’re Stopped by Police
If your MTP insurance has expired and you’re pulled over, you can pay on the spot using your phone. Once the transaction is complete, you’ll receive a valid sticker number, which you can present as proof of renewed coverage.
Don’t Wait for a Roadblock
Currently, over 700,000 vehicles in Uganda are estimated to be operating without valid MTP insurance. Many of these drivers are unaware that they are at risk, not only legally but financially, in the event of an accident.
Ensuring your vehicle has valid insurance is a simple but important step toward safety and compliance. Thanks to the digital platform, paying for MTP insurance is faster, safer, and more reliable than ever.
