KAMPALA, Uganda: The Minister of State for Investment, Evelyn Anite, has launched a highly anticipated partnership between National Social Security Fund Uganda (NSSF) and Union Uganda aimed at mobilizing transport sector workers across the country to embrace a stronger savings culture through the NSSF SmartLife Flexi programme.
The partnership will see Union Uganda mobilize a team of 1,000 members who have been tasked with moving across the country to sensitize transport union members about the benefits of joining the NSSF SmartLife Flexi programme, which offers flexible and attractive savings options tailored to workers in the informal sector.
The launch ceremony took place at the UMA Multipurpose Hall Lugogo and attracted more than 700 participants drawn from boda boda, taxi, bus, and truck unions.
During the event, Anite commended the leadership of Union Uganda, headed by Fred Senoga, for mobilizing players in the transport industry to collectively embrace the programme. She noted that the initiative would help strengthen members’ saving habits and improve their financial stability.
The minister also applauded the leadership of NSSF under Managing Director Patrick Ayota for taking deliberate steps to empower informal sector business players by enhancing their financial literacy and promoting disciplined saving practices.
“This is the first meeting of an exclusive gathering that is not asking government for free money but instead seeking knowledge on how to improve their financial wellbeing through strong savings mechanisms,” Anite said, describing the development as an encouraging trend.
In his presentation, Senoga outlined Union Uganda’s product growth strategy, highlighting several initiatives designed to benefit the transport sector. These include the rollout of Spiro electric motorcycles, distribution of oils and lubricants, and the development of affordable housing schemes for low-income earners within the industry.
NSSF’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Business Development for the informal sector, Catherine Tulina, welcomed the collaboration with transport industry players. She said the partnership brings together stakeholders committed to building the financial capacity of workers and enabling them to make impactful savings decisions.
Kakaire Umaru Kiyuba, chairman of the Bus Transport Union, described the programme as timely, noting that many drivers have struggled financially due to poor saving habits. He expressed optimism that the initiative would help secure the future incomes of transport workers.
Meanwhile, Frank Mawejje, chairman of Union Boda Boda, revealed that the union has already rolled out 50,000 electric motorcycles onto the market as part of efforts to gradually phase out fuel-powered bikes.
He acknowledged that although many members belong to SACCOs, maintaining a consistent savings culture has been challenging. He said the NSSF SmartLife Flexi programme offers a more sustainable solution.
Rashid Sekindi of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) also announced plans to introduce a new electric commuter transport system aimed at replacing fuel-powered engines that contribute to air pollution and related health risks among the travelling public.
