NSSF inaugurates first board under new law; six members bounce back. – The Kampala Report

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has appointed its new board of directors under the NSSF Amendment Act, 2022. Of the ten members, six are returning from the previous board, while three new members have joined, including the new chairperson, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development (MGLSD).

The new board structure aligns with the requirements of the amended Act and represents various stakeholders. The two supervising ministries are represented by their respective permanent secretaries. Trade unions are represented by four members, the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) has two members, and the NSSF Managing Director serves as an executive member.

Additionally, one independent member appointed by the gender minister also serves as the board chairperson. The board, which will serve a three-year term, includes Dr. David Ogong as the newly appointed chairperson, succeeding Dr. Peter Kimbowa. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Secretary to the Treasury joins the board, replacing Patrick Ocailap, while Richard Bigirwa, representing the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU), replaces Lwabayi Mudiba Hassan.

Aggrey David Kibenge represents the MGLSD. Reappointed members are Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha and Annet Mulindwa Nakawunde, representing employers under the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE). Dr. Sam Lyomoki and Penninah Tukamwesiga are reappointed from the Confederation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU), along with Annet Birungi from NOTU.

NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota will continue to serve as an executive member of the board. In her inauguration speech, Gender Minister Betty Amongi emphasized that the board’s composition follows the governing law and reflects the selections made by various organizations.

Amongi urged the board to adhere to corporate governance principles and ensure the Fund’s continued growth and profitability. “Pay attention to Section 4(4) of the NSSF Act, which mandates the board to ensure secure, profitable, and effective financial management of the Fund for the benefit of workers and the country,” she stated.

It is your responsibility to maintain the tradition of excellence the Fund has enjoyed over the years.” She also encouraged the board to prioritize the completion of the Bwebajja government complex, a one-stop center intended to house Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The complex’s construction will be funded by NSSF through a loan to these institutions, which will be repaid with interest. Outgoing board chairperson Dr. Peter Kimbowa expressed gratitude for his tenure and reflected on the challenges faced during his time.

He urged the incoming board to not only protect the legacy of their predecessors but also to exceed expectations and advance ongoing initiatives. Dr. David Ogong, the newly appointed chairperson, pledged to uphold the Fund’s exemplary performance. “It is a privilege I take seriously. NSSF holds members’ savings in trust, and it is our duty to maintain that trust by ensuring the safety and growth of the Fund,” Ogong said.

He emphasized the importance of teamwork in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. “With Vision 2035 in mind, I commit to working with the board and management to achieve the Fund’s long-term strategies,” he added.

NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota welcomed the new appointments, noting that the mix of new and returning members would ensure both continuity and innovation. “The new members bring valuable experience, while the reappointed members ensure a smooth transition from the 12th to the 13th board,” Ayota remarked.