What happens to my policy if the direct debit instruction fails to pick?

This will lead to non-payment of premium in the particular month the direct debit fails to pick.

In such a scenario, you can use alternative modes of payment as shown via https://www.prudential.ug/customers/premium-payment-modes/ .

Continuous non-payment of premium may lead to lapsing of a policy and hence forfeiting all policy benefits.

Note: Some banks (Centenary bank and Bank Of Africa) recover premiums for failed deductions.