KALERWE MARKET, Kampala: National Social Security Fund Uganda (NSSF) has intensified its financial literacy outreach by engaging more than 300 traders at Kalerwe Market in a one-day training aimed at promoting a strong savings culture and financial discipline among small-scale entrepreneurs.
The session, held on February 17, 2026, at the fresh maize section of Kalerwe Market, attracted traders dealing in fresh produce, beverages, charcoal, clothing and other merchandise. The training was organized by Union Uganda in partnership with the Market Vendors Cooperative Union and facilitated by NSSF.
Promoting Smart and Flexible Savings
Speaking at the event, NSSF Manager for Enterprise and Livelihoods, Teddy Katasi, urged traders to take advantage of the Fund’s NSSF Smart Life Flexi savings plan, describing it as simple, flexible and tailored to meet diverse financial needs.
Katasi emphasized that the goal-driven savings product allows members to determine how much to save, when to contribute and how long to save, while earning competitive returns calculated daily and paid monthly.
“This flexible savings plan empowers traders to achieve their financial goals on their own terms,” she noted. “Whether you are building a rainy-day fund, educating your children, or expanding your business, Smart Life Flexi gives you control and confidence over your financial future.”
She added that NSSF’s mission is to nurture a culture of saving among grassroots entrepreneurs, equipping them with financial knowledge and discipline to run sustainable and profitable businesses.
Union Uganda Showcases Business Opportunities
Union Uganda’s Sales and Products Activation Manager, Muhammad Kasujja, highlighted several products and investment opportunities available to traders. These include Spiral electric bikes, Union mineral water, housing lease and sales programs, education bursaries, and transport-sector products such as boda bodas, taxis, buses, oils, spare parts and accessories.
Kasujja encouraged traders to join the Spiral electric bike ownership program by paying UGX 120,000 as a start-up contribution to acquire a new electric bike, enabling them to generate income while also exploring dealership opportunities for Union Uganda products.
Traders Welcome Initiative
Chairperson of the Market Vendors Cooperative Union, Lubega Richard, commended NSSF for extending financial literacy training to grassroots traders. He noted that members had embraced the NSSF Smart Life Flexi package and were optimistic about its long-term benefits.
“We appreciate NSSF management for empowering our members with knowledge about smart saving culture. We pledge to embrace the financial products that will secure our future,” Lubega said.
Local leaders also welcomed the initiative. Newly elected Woman Councillor for Mulago II Parish in Kawempe Division, Kaitesi Rose, and Lower Nsooba LC1 Chairperson Bulasa Victoria, speaking on behalf of other local council leaders, applauded NSSF for what they described as a transformative financial sensitization program for the trading community.
They expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would enable traders to make informed financial decisions and fully benefit from NSSF’s trusted savings programs.
