October 14, 2023.
KAMPALA, Uganda | National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Director, Mr. Patrick Ayota, has aggressively defended his recent appointment, asserting that he earned the position on merit. Ayota’s appointment, which brought an end to a power vacuum within the institution, has become the center of a legal battle instigated by the former NSSF Managing Director, Mr. Richard Byarugaba.
Ayota emphasized that his competence to hold the position of Managing Director remained unscathed, stating, “I note that nothing in his (Byarugaba)’s affidavits or the annexures thereto impeaches my competence to be appointed as the managing director of NSSF.” Byarugaba had contested the Attorney General and the Gender Minister, Ms. Betty Amongi, for declining his re-appointment as the Fund’s managing director.
Amid the legal tussle, Ayota cautioned that the ongoing battles initiated by Byarugaba could potentially jeopardize the savings of NSSF members, estimated at over Shs18 trillion, by exposing them to misuse and hindering growth. He firmly believes that the interests of justice and the Fund’s stability should outweigh the grievances of a single individual.
The legal saga began when Byarugaba sought a court order to compel the Minister to fulfill her statutory duty by completing his re-appointment for another five-year term, as recommended by the board. Byarugaba’s argument revolved around procedural irregularities and concerns that Ayota was not fit to head NSSF.
In response, Ayota, through his legal team led by Elison Karuhanga, emphasized that his appointment was conducted lawfully and is valid. He maintained that it was not orchestrated to thwart Byarugaba’s judicial application. Ayota highlighted that Byarugaba’s petition failed to establish any act or commission attributed to him personally for which he should be faulted.
Ayota underscored the importance of safeguarding the interests of NSSF’s nationwide membership and averred that Byarugaba’s appointment should not be granted. He argued that granting Byarugaba’s request could lead to a leadership void, endangering the Fund’s operation without a substantive accounting officer to protect the members’ savings.
The courtroom drama, which is closely watched by NSSF’s two million members and its substantial assets worth Shs 18 trillion, is set to continue as the parties involved file their written submissions. The legal dispute has far-reaching implications for the fund’s stability and the equitable resolution of the matter.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the NSSF members eagerly await the court’s decision, hoping for an amicable resolution that ensures the security and growth of their hard-earned workers savings. With Shs 18 trillion in assets, NSSF remains a crucial pillar of financial security for millions of Ugandans.
