PHOTO: When NSSF officially launched online benefits claim on the NSSFGo App and web. Members who qualify for withdrawal of their savings can submit and track their claims without leaving the comfort of their homes!

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

NATIONAL Social Security Fund (NSSF) Head Marketing and Corporate Affairs Ms. Arimi Barbra Teddy has responded to a 16 question dossier by a one Rogers Wandulu, who made rounds on social media alleging how unsafe are savings in NSSF.
In a three page response, Ms. Arimi tells Wandulu and all members of NSSF to worry not, their money is bery safe and growing! 
Responding to Wandulu, Ms. Barbra Arimi has categorically stated that, “You and all our members remain at the centre of our strategy to ensure safety and a reasonable return for your savings. Every single day, every employee of the Fund works hard to create a better life for our members.”
“For this reason,” She says, “We have kept our promise to consistently pay you a return above the average 10-year inflation over the last 11 years.”
This is how Ms. Arimi has explained and gave Wandulu facts pertaining the 16 issues he raised in his dossier! Please read on;

1. ● Wandulu alleged that over 80 NSSF staff enjoyed trip to Dubai. On this Barbra Arimi says, this was done in line with the Fund Human Resources Policy to drive high performance. 
2. ● That Board Chairman hired consultant at 60m to increase his pay to 30m. NSSF in its response says, the procurement was done by Management in line with the applicable PPDA processes. The engagement of a consultant was to enable the Fund to obtain an independent and informed opinion based on a comprehensive assessment of board remuneration terms for comparable entities locally and in the region. The Board Chairman’s compensation is way below the 30M you mention.. 
3. ● His third allegation of low interest rate for members, Ms. Arimi said this is not true. “The Fund paid interest of 15% in 2017/18, 11% in 2018/19, 10.75% in 2019/20, 12.15% in 2020/21 and 9.65% in 2021/22. Compared to its peers in the region, this is the highest return any social security Fund gives, and very competitive.” Said Arimi adding thst, “Suffice to note, the Fund’s performance has even been complimented across the region.”
   She noted that, as mentioned above, “We have kept our promise to consistently pay our members a return above the average 
   10-year inflation over the last 11 years.”
4. ● On allegation that Staff were given as much as 1bn shs to exit voluntarily, NSSF boss says, Staff who lost their jobs during the recent restructuring process were compensated in line with standard labour practices. The required approvals for the exit packages were obtained.
5. ● On the issue of MD making free donations in Billions, Ms. Arimi said the highest donation made by the Fund so far has been UGX 380M in 2020 towards Covid test kits in a bid to support the Government’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. ● About NSSF MD rescuing Uganda clays with 10bn, and turning into a written off debt, NSSF calls this a lie. This loan has not been written off. The Fund, a significant shareholder in Uganda Clays Limited, advanced a loan to the company to expand its operations and save it from collapse. The Board, and the then Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development approved the loan. Uganda Clays Limited has since turned around, is now profitable and the Fund is in the process of recovering the debt. 
7. ● Wandulu talked about the travel to purchase cards and machines worth Billions that won’t work. Resoinding to this issue, NSSF has said, in 2013, the Fund piloted a Smart Card project. The pilot did not achieve its objectives. Lessons from this pilot were used by the Fund to introduce a new Smart Card in partnership with Visa and Centenary Bank. The cost and integration of this new card project has been borne by the partners. 
   Members now have a new 3 in 1 Smart Card, which embeds NSSF functionality, bank functionality and a loyalty program which enables card holders to access discounts at select merchant outlets.
8. ● Allegation eight, Wandulu said Fake trade unions are enjoying  Billions in Budget. Here NSSF says, The Fund’s combined total donations to trade unions over the last 5 years does not add up to a billion shillings. 
9. ● On the issue of Heads of Department hiring /supervising relatives, Ms. Barbra Arimi categorically stated that, recruitment in the Fund is guided by the Human Resources Policy which is geared towards attracting competent workforce. There are clear provisions in the Policy on Conflict-of-Interest situations including recruitment of related parties which are observed during the recruitment process.
10. ● Wandulu said Board meetings are held in Dubai and Nairobi. NSSF says, Board meetings are usually held in the country. The Board meeting held in Nairobi in 2022 was an exception. It was held alongside a full Board training session. The purpose of the joint scheduling was/is to efficiently utilize board members’ and other concerned stakeholders’ time. This is not an unusual practice for most boards.
11. ● On the allegation of no accountability on donations/CSR, Ms. Arimi said Funds allocated to Corporate Social Responsibility activities like the refurbishment of public schools, national blood drives, sports, Career Expo, digital labs are fully accounted for and reports for the same are available.
12. ● The raised issue of Billions given to staff in so called Early bird Exit, NSSF referred this to response no 4 above), 
13. ● That the Board is paid NSSF, Medical just like staff. Ms. Barbra Arimi says, The Board’s terms of engagement, including the medical benefit, are duly considered and approved by their appointing authority.
14. ● Wandulu alleged that exiting Board members paid each 350m for time not worked. On this, NSSF boss clarified that the amount was a gross sum of UGX 312M each arrived at by the Board in consultation with its appointing authority at the time, for purposes of addressing a concern emanating from the Executive and Legislative arms of Government about the Board’s composition. The circumstances of this matter are being reviewed by the relevant authorities. 
15. ● On the issue of Investments not made in Savers interest, Houses members can’t afford, Ms. Arimi states that all Fund investments are made in the savers’ interest in line with the Fund’s prudent Investments Policy as approved by the Board and aligned to the investment guidelines of the Fund’s Regulator, the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority. “Furthermore, real estate is an asset class that the Fund primarily invests in to generate income either from rent or sale of the units, which income is credited to members’ accounts at the end of each financial year.” She said, adding that, “Suffice to note, the Fund’s various housing projects cater for all, from high income earners (Lubowa), middle income earners (Lubowa, Kyanja) and low-income earners (Temangalo). The house prices in Temangalo are projected to range from UGX 90M upon completion in 2024.”
16. ● About Wandulu’s false prophesy that the Fund will collapse if it pays out Midterm access,  NSSF says, “On midterm access, the Fund did not collapse when it paid out over UGX 636M to 27,934 qualifying members for midterm access in 2022. Savers now do not have to wait until 55 years to access their savings.”
    In her conclusion, Head Marketing and Corporate Affairs Ms. Arimi Barbra Teddy reassured NSSF members how the team at NSSF, “Will remain committed to preserving your retirement savings.”

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

For views/comments about this story, please whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or send an email on newseditor.info@gmail.com

● List Showed President Museveni had appointed Chief Muzzukulu Hadijah Uzeiye, Gen. Saleh, Gen. Muhoozi, Rwakasisi Nadduli, Kakooza Mutale and others in big positions
● Now DPPS Kirunda says, Museveni has appointed only Linda Nabusaayi Wamboka, those on circulating list are already Presidencial advisors

PHOTO: Hajjat Hadijah Uzeiye with Ghetto youth who ask President Museveni to contest again in 2026

STORY BY
MOSES MUGALULA
NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

WHEREAS the list of new appointments were leaked by insiders in State House and shared on trusted NRM Whatsapp groups about 4 hours ago, State House has comeout to disown it!
In a tweet by Mr. Farouk Kirunda, the Deputy Press Secretary to His Excellency the President of Uganda, “There is no new list of Presidential Advisors issued as is circulating on social media.”
Kirunda says, “The only new appointment is of Ms. Linda Nabusayi Wamboka, who has been appointed Presidential Advisor on Media.” We have been however informed, some sharp boys might have landed on Mzee’s notes, took screenshots and quickly shared on social media. For those who know the big man, he hates being pre-emptied. It is highly suspected, that is Farouk had to show up and deny the list.
According to the ‘leaked’ list which Kirunda has dustibined, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had appointed senior Presidential Advisors in different categories.
Haji Abdul Nadduli was among those who were said to have fallen in big things. Here was the full list;
● Hajji Abdul Nadduli appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Political/Mobilization (He will have the terms and benefits of a cabinet minister)
● Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba – Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations
● Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe – Senior Presidential Advisor on population, and health issues under the Ministry of Health
● Gen Salim Saleh – Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence
● Dr. Ezra Suruma – Senior Presidential Advisor on Finance and Economic Planning
● Chris Rwakasisi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties
● Amelia Kyambadde – Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry.
● Prof. Edward Rugumayo – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Hajji Abbey Walusimbi – Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs
● Ambassador Klaus E. P. Holderbaum – Senior Presidential Advisor on Tourism and Investment
● Monica Azuba Ntenge – Senior Presidential Advisor on Works
● Mary Karooro Okurut – Senior Presidential Advisor on Media
● Ephraim Kamuntu – Senior Presidential Advisor on Constitutional affairs
● Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Maj. (Rtd) Kakooza Mutale – Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs
● Florence Mutyabule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation (Busoga Region)
● Fred Kabagambe Kaliisa – Senior Presidential Advisor on Oil, Gas and Minerals
● Mary Amajo – Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Service.
● Elizabeth Kuteesa – Presidential Advisor on Police matters
● Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire – Senior Presidential Advisor on Education Matters.
● Sam Engola – Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs
● Prof. Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Kisuule – Senior Presidential Advisor on Middle East.
Now that State House has clarified that the list is not official, kindly disregard it.

For views on this story, whatsapp editor on 0772523039

PHOTO: When the then Fund’s Managing Director Richard Byarugaba was honoured with a medal at last year’s International Labour Day. He was recognised for steering the Fund into a multi-trillion entity & increasing social security coverage in the country

STORY BY:
MOSES MUGALULA
PARLIAMENT

RICHARD Byarugaba, the former Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has refuted claims of mismanagement of the Fund as alleged by Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, the Minister of Gender Labour and Social Development. 
Byarugaba was on Friday 3rd February, appearing before the select Parliamentary committee investigating mismanagement claims at the Fund with focus on issues like corporate governance of the Fund, appointment of the Managing Director and safety of savers’ money.
He told the committee that the Fund’s performance had improved in the last ten years, growing at a higher rate than the national GDP. “In 2012 the Fund was less than 4% of the country’s GDP. Currently, NSSF is more than 10.6% of GDP.” He said.
He continued to say that in the last ten years, the growth rate of member registrations had oscillated between 17% per annum, compliance had increased from 40% to 60% , annual contributions indicated an upward trajectory and assets grew to 17.3 trillion in June 2022.
On the return to member savings, Byarugaba told the committee that the Fund was paying double digit interest rate above inflation over the last ten years. “Previously, NSSF wasn’t paying above inflation; the average interest pay out was 6.27% while inflation was at 6.3% . Over the last ten years, we have been paying double digit interest rates with inflation at 3.65%. Meaning that we are preserving member funds and giving real return to members. The highest interest rate paid to members in the history of the Fund is 15% that we paid in 2018.” 
NSSF’s current management led by Patrick Ayota, the Ag . Managing Director had reported the same growth of the Fund when they appeared at the committee earlier in the week, contrary to allegations of unsatisfactory performance by Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social development. NSSF is supervised by the Gender ministry and the Finance Ministry according to the new NSSF Act 2021. Whereas the Gender Ministry is in charge of operations at the Fund, the Finance Ministry oversees its investments.

Byarugaba also refuted claims of non-participation in the national development agenda by NSSF saying that the Fund provides government with 40% of its domestic borrowing. “For every 10 shillings the Ministry of finance borrows from the public to develop roads, electricity and the health sector, 4 shilllings is from the NSSF.If this doesn’t show participation in national development, then I don’t know what does!” Byarugaba said. 
On the contentious shs6bn, Byarugaba said that Hon. Amongi had asked the Fund to provision for the money purportedly to support implementation of the new NSSF law and yet this was already provided for in the Fund’s overall operations budget for the financial year 2022/23.  “The Minster’s letter of 16th June,2022 to the Fund clearly shows that she wanted to handle the shs6bn,” Byarugaba told the committee.
Regarding the alleged purchase of Nakigala land at shs400bn as part of the Fund’s real estate investments, Byarugaba clarified that the amount was provisioned as total budget estimates for all strategic land purchases for the FY 2022/23 to purchase two land assets and that the amount wasn’t entirely for Nakigala as alleged by the Minister. 
On the shs40bn budget provision for the Grain Council, Byarugaba clarified that the Fund had declined to partner with the council due to disagreement in implementation on the back of unclear accountability measures. The minister had instead looked at this as “insubordination” from Byarugaba.
The Committee is chaired by Hon Mwine Mpaka who is the Member of Parliament for Mbarara City South. Other members of the committee include Workers MP Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Mr. Karim Masaba (Industrial Division, Mbale City), Mr. Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality), Ms. Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman), Ms. Laura Kanushu (Persons with Disabilities), and Mr. Amos Kankunda (Rwampara County).

ABOUT NSSF 
The National Social Security Fund Uganda is a multi-trillion Fund mandated by Government through the NSSF Act, as amended, to provide social security services to employees in the private sector. 
The Fund is a secure, innovative, and dynamic social security provider that guarantees safety, security, and a competitive return on members’ savings of over 2% above the 10-year inflation average. 
The Fund manages assets worth over UGX 17.8 trillion, invested in Fixed Income, Equities and Real Estate assets within the East Africa region. As the largest Fund in East Africa by value, we have the ambitious goal of growing our Assets Under Management to 20 trillion by 2025.  
The Fund is regulated by the Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority while the Minister of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and the Minister of Finance, Planning & Economic Development are responsible for policy oversight.

For views/Comments on this story, please Whatsapp editor on 0772523039 or email us at newseditor.info@gmail.com

PHOTO: Swearing in of Justice Chibita in State House

NEWS EDITOR MEDIA

AN urgent meeting has been called over the appointment of Justices Mike J. Chibita and Catherine Bamugemereire to head the National Fellowhip of Born Again Pentectoal Churches (NFBPC) Tribunal after top pastors contested their appointment saying it is null and void.
They want the two thrown out and demand that Bishop Joshua Lwere follows the Fellowship constitution in making decisions on who should sit on the Tribunal.

Click here also to read related story: BORN-AGAIN EC PUT 10 TOUGH TERMS FOR A NEW LEADER AS OMEGA HEALING CENTRE’S MICHAEL KYAZZE LEADS RACE TO REPLACE JOSHUA LWERE

Speaking to our reporter, Bishop Leonald Sserwadda, leader of Southern Buganda Pentecostal Churches, Masaka who is one of the contestants for General Overseer (GO) in next month’s election, said however much the incumbent GO Joshua Lwere is mandated to appoint the Tribunal, he must be guided by the laws governing NFBPC or else, his appointments are null and void.
“It’s true NFBPC constitution empowers the General Overseer (GO) to appoint members sitting on the Tribunal being one of the organs mentioned in our constitution. But appointment of members who constitute this Tribunal must srictly follow the law.” Bishop Sserwadda told News Editor Media.
Asked whether the recent appointment of the Trubunal by Bishop Joshua Lwere headed by Justices Mike Chibita and Catherine Bamugemereire followed the law, Sserwadda said, many have raised eyebrows over Lwere’s Tribunal saying that is why, urgent internal meetings have been called to this effect.
He told us, “We want him (Lwere) to explain to us how he appointed this Trubunal. If he fails to convince us, mistakes must be corrected immediately as per our constitution.”

According to the NFBPC Constitution, Tribunal must have a quorum, those appointed by the General Overseer must be registered members of the Fellowship and vetting done by AGM and elders. 
After GO making appointments, he brings the names to the forum and members make deliberations about them whether they are known registered members.
About the appointment of Justices Chibita and Bamugemereire, Bishop Serwadda says the appointment would be okay if the two are members of National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches.
“Being judges doesnt in any way stop them from heading NFBPC Tribunal provided they are registered members of the Fellowship. But if they are not members, definately their appointment is null and void. One who isn’t part of us can not start making decisions about us. That is impossible and unacceptable.” Said Bishop Sserwadda.
Without mincing words, he revealed to us that this isn’t a personal Tribunal, but a Tribunal for the Fellowship so any appointment must be carefully vetted and appoved by the General Assembly. There is no way it will be accepted without clearance from those mandated by the constitution.
Asked whether they will throw out justices Chibita and Bamugemereire after the meeting, Bishop Sserwadda responded by quoting Titus 1:5 in the Bible when Paul was telling Titus that, ‘The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.’
“This is what we are going to do, putting in order what might have been done wrongly by GO Bishop Lwere.”Sserwadda assured us as they head for the meeting.

For starters, Justice Michael Chibita who was appointed by Joshua Lwere, is a Ugandan lawyer and judge, who serves on the Supreme Court of Uganda, effective December 2019. 
From 15 August 2013 until 6 December 2019, he served as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Uganda. 
Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, is a Ugandan lawyer and judge who, since 2015, has served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Uganda, which doubles as Uganda’s Constitutional Court. 
Justice Catherine Bamugemereire headed the tribunal which heard the petition filed by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councilors against Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Her tribunal established a prima facie case against Lukwago and the councilors followed through by voting impeaching him which was successfully contested in courts of law.

A bout 3 years ago, President Museveni appointed Justice Bamugemereire to head The Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters. Her report is yet to be fully considered.  
The appointment of the two justices and other Tribunal members by Joshua Lwere to act as judiciary sitting to hear especially electoral discripancies that may arise after GO elections, makes some top pastors think Lwere who never wanted to leave office, might be up to something fishy! 
“We are almost getting done with the elections which started about three months ago. And everything was moving on smoothly. We are only remaining with National elections. What has he all along been waiting for, to appoint a Tribunal? Why now when he is remaining with less than two months to handle over leadership? And why appoint people who are not part of us without quorum? It is sad that Bishop Lwere ursuped powers of the Constitution and put a parallel organ.” Said one of the leading Pentecostal church Pastors in the Country.
This Trinunal had to be appointed and approved by elders during the General meeting. But the extra General meeting, we are reliably informed, failed to get quorum.

What next? Watch the space, our ears are on the ground!

For views/ comments on this story, send an email to newseditor.info@gmail.com