NSSF: More details emerge about Byarugaba’s woes

The letter which was authored by the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, and addressed to the NSSF board revealed that prior to Byarugaba’s appointment deferral, there was a meeting held at Kapeka with the coordinator Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Salim Saleh, were some issues were raised, including questioning the managing director’s role in the national development agenda.

“After our meeting at Kapeka yesterday, you note there were serious issues that were raised on top of all the other issues I discussed with you severally. In view of the above, the concerns which were raised after the approval of the appointment of the managing director during the Kapeka meeting, and other issues ought to be re-examined by the board,” the letter reads, adding that Amongi wanted to know whether the board had considered the raised issues before recommending Byarugaba’s reappointment.

“From the many discussions, the question we must ask is: What should be the role of NSSF in the country’s development agenda? And with the rigid position of the managing director, can you assure me that he can deliver on our transformation agenda? Is he willing to commit to drive our agenda?” the letter further reads.

The letter also revealed a proposed solution by Saleh that would see the Fund invest heavily in The Grain Council of Uganda, a non-profit membership organisation registered in 2012 that brings together key stakeholders along the grains value chain. 

“As you are aware, the OWC coordinator proposed strategic investments through the grain council. Our maize has ready market in Kenya. This proposal is that the Government, together with the Fund, form a national marketing council that will organize the pathway to the huge potential markets that exist in the region and the whole of Africa. The company will identify specific markets for Ugandan produce,” the letter reads.

It should be noted that Amongi asked Byarugaba to leave office on the basis that he had attained the retirement age.

In a July 22 2022 letter, Amongi who is the co-political overseer of the Fund alongside her Ministry of Finance counterpart Matia Kasaija, noted that under the Public Service Standing Order and NSSF Human Resource Policy, Byarugaba, like his deputy Patrick Ayota did, should have automatically retired on clocking 60 years.

President Museveni later issued an order for the investigation of Byarugaba over alleged abuse of office, corruption and mismanagement of the Fund’s project.

The President gave the order while meeting Amongi and the NSSF board of directors at State House on 22 December.

The meeting was over the renewal of Byarugaba’s five ear contract, which expired on 30 November.

“We met the President yesterday and he has directed that we investigate Byarugaba over abuse of office, corruption and mismanagement of the Fund’s projects,” a source who attended the meeting told this reporter.

Byarugaba was also at State House but was reportedly stopped from attending the meeting by the President.