By Ben Ssebuguzi
Kampala: Various communication seen instructing the Minister of Labour and Gender instructing her to re-appoint Mr. Richard Byarugaba as the CEO of Uganda’s National Social Security Fund – NSSF seems to be very clear, but alas! The Hon. Minister Betty Amongi seems to be still refusing to endorse the general consensus of all stakeholders.
This is likely to cause unnecessary anxiety in management hence likely to affect the return on investment that has been enjoyed by savers with NSSF for a long time.
If their accountability queries being raised by anybody should be investigated but should not appear to create a lacuna yet we had registered tremendous progress in pension sector development in East Africa.
Even during the last launch of the financial performance of NSSF and previous ones, the Unqualified Auditor General’s report concludes that the financial statements of NSSF are fair and transparent based on thorough research. Then why give excuses Dear Hon. Minister?
The board is the summation of all stakeholders of which even the gender ministry is represented. Why is the Minister of Gender trying to buy time to confirm Mr Richard Byarugaba? Is she trying to witch-hunt him at the expense of workers? Why is she trying to create a lacuna? All those delays might affect the performance of the fund in the end because of this lacuna.
The minister’s actions are a sign that some government officials are selfish yet government agencies and departments should work in harmony. Undermining the directive of the Rt.Hon.Prime minister is a sign of bad behaviour and upbringing.
If the fund declines in performance, the savers should blame the Hon.Minister for her shortcomings. I request President Yoweri Museveni to prevail over the situation because it is showing that there is a lack of coordination in government business.
We should not appear to backslide when we have already gained momentum in the social security of our country.
I think this is not the time to show our might but it is time to consolidate our achievements amidst the uncertain post covid era.
Ben Ssebuguzi
SG, UPYM and Public Opinion certified Public awareness and information dissemination expert.