Minister Amongi Champions NSSF Savings Amidst Funding Freeze

Oyam District | The Black Examiner – Minister Betty Amongi, who oversees the portfolios of gender, labor, and social development, has issued a compelling call to the people of Uganda in light of recent changes in funding dynamics. The World Bank’s decision to cut donor funding to Uganda due to the controversial Anti-Homosexuality law has prompted Minister Amongi to emphasize the importance of self-reliance and domestic resource mobilization.

Addressing a gathering at the Northern Gateway Hotel in Kamdini Town Council, Oyam district, Minister Amongi articulated her vision for Uganda’s future. Drawing inspiration from nations that have achieved remarkable development without relying on external aid, she urged Ugandans to take charge of their own destiny by cultivating a culture of savings and investment. Rather than depending solely on foreign assistance, she encouraged her fellow countrymen to proactively set aside money to foster their nation’s growth and prosperity.

The meeting was convened under the auspices of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), a crucial entity responsible for promoting financial security and stability among Ugandans. With representation from 41 districts and municipalities across Lango, Acholi, West Nile, Teso, and Karamojong sub-regions, the event aimed to formulate strategies that would substantially increase participation in NSSF savings programs. Currently, only 11% of the population is enrolled, a figure that Minister Amongi and her team aspire to elevate to an impressive 50%.

Milton Owor, the Chief People Officer and Culture Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, spoke passionately about the meeting’s objectives. He highlighted a persistent concern: numerous employers are neglecting their responsibility to contribute to the NSSF on behalf of their workers. This practice is not only unethical but also illegal, undermining the welfare of employees and the stability of the social security system.

In a show of appreciation for the nation’s stance against homosexuality, Benson Dila Oyuku, the LC5 Chairman of Oyam, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for upholding traditional values. He commended the government’s unwavering commitment to moral principles, echoing Minister Amongi’s sentiment about the importance of Uganda’s self-sufficiency. Oyuku also underscored a critical point: the funds saved by Ugandans through NSSF could potentially serve as a financial reservoir for governmental projects, thereby facilitating the country’s development agenda.

Ayikoru Sunday, the Deputy Speaker of Terego District, brought to light another facet of the development equation. He lamented the challenges faced by the community services department, particularly understaffing and inadequate resources. These obstacles have a direct impact on the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery. His remarks highlighted the multifaceted nature of Uganda’s development landscape and the need for holistic solutions.

William Komakec, the Oyam Resident District Commissioner (RDC), echoed Minister Amongi’s call by urging more Ugandans to embrace NSSF’s savings platform. He underlined the symbiotic relationship between personal financial security and national growth. By saving with NSSF, individuals contribute not only to their own futures but also to the overall progress of their country.

In the face of a shifting funding landscape, Minister Amongi’s message resonates as a rallying cry for Ugandans to harness their collective potential and chart a path to sustainable development through prudent financial planning and responsible governance.

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