The former All Blacks captain, who has just been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to rugby, has not appeared since breaking a finger in the Air New Zealand Cup win over the Bay of Plenty on August 4.
Umaga will start as a replacement for the Lions against the Tasman Makos at the capital's Westpac Stadium.
Wellington coach John Plumtree has reshuffled the team after a narrow victory over Manawatu last time out.
Shannon Paku returns from an Achilles tendon injury with Cory Jane moving back to the wing, and youngster Alby Mathewson starts at scrum-half ahead of Jason Spice.
Wellington lock Ross Kennedy, meanwhile, will make his first start on loan at Counties-Manukau in their Ranfurly Shield rugby challenge against Canterbury in Christchurch.
