james wika 
Ephraim Kiiza Bichetero newly appointed Deputy Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer-Africa Re
- Ephraim Bichetero Assumes Duty as Africa Re’s Substantive DMD/COO
Africa Re has announced the official assumption of duty by Mr. Ephraim Kiiza Bichetero as the substantive Deputy Managing Director or Chief Operating Officer concluding a year-long transition and succession program.
Mr. Bichetero stepped into the role on July 1, 2025, succeeding the long-serving Mr. Kenneth Edirin Napoleon Aghoghovbia.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Africa Re, ensuring continuity in its executive leadership.
Mr. Bichetero, a Ugandan national, was initially appointed as DMD/COO Elect with effect from July 1, 2024, initiating a carefully planned handover with Mr.Aghoghovbia.
With over two decades of experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector, Mr. Bichetero brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
He first joined Africa Re in June 2004 as an Underwriter, focusing on the East Africa Region from the Nairobi Regional Office.
His career within Africa Re has seen a steady ascent through various critical roles, including Senior Underwriter, Assistant Director (Technical Operations), Deputy Regional Director, Interim Regional Director, and most recently, Regional Director of the Nairobi Regional Office,a position he held from January 2018 until his recent appointment as DMD or COO elect.
Dr. Corneille Karekezi, Group Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer of Africa Re, expressed the Board’s confidence in Mr. Bichetero.
“Africa Re Board is pleased to welcome Mr. Bichetero as a substantive member of the Executive Management team of the Corporation and is confident that he is well poised and ready to continue the successful implementation of initiatives and strategies for achieving profitable growth ambition of Africa Re,” Dr. Karekezi stated.
He further added, “He has demonstrated the essential technical, behavioural and leadership competencies and capabilities over many years to execute this assignment and I wish him success in this role.”
In his capacity as DMD/COO, Mr. Bichetero will, in accordance with Article 21 of the Agreement Establishing the Corporation, assist the GMD/CEO.
His responsibilities will cover overseeing underwriting operations and other assigned duties across the entire Africa Re Group.
This includes its regional offices, subsidiaries, contact offices, and underwriting representative offices
Africa Re emphasizes that Mr. Bichetero’s assumption of duty reinforces its ongoing commitment to its mission and marks a strategic refinement of its tactical plans.
The Corporation continues to strategically position itself for sustained growth, innovation, and impact, aiming to further solidify its reputation as the leading reinsurance company in Africa and expanding its presence in international markets.
