Labour Minister Betty Amongi Akena has appointed Patrick M. Ayota as the Managing Director of Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) following almost a year of internal disputes.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Labour Minister Betty Amongi Akena appoints Patrick M Ayota as Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Director.
.@AyotaPatrick Appointed Managing Director for the National Social Security Fund. pic.twitter.com/cwKbYo0O5O
— NSSF Uganda (@nssfug) August 18, 2023
Following nearly a year of internal conflicts, Ayota’s appointment by Amongi is effective August 18, 2023, for a five-year term, as confirmed by the NSSF board’s chairman on Friday.
“We’re pleased to inform NSSF members, stakeholders, and the public that Betty Amongi has appointed Ayota for a period of five years effective August 18, 2023,” the NSSF board of directors said.
Ayota assumes leadership of the Shs17 trillion Fund, addressing internal strife and allegations of irregular payments. He had previously served as the acting managing director for 8 months and held roles as deputy managing director since December 2017 and chief financial officer since July 2011.
“He has been the Fund’s acting managing director for the last 8 months during which he ensured stability of the Fund during a challenging period. He has also served as deputy managing director since December 2017 and chief financial officer since July 2011,” Kimbowa said in a statement – released August 18.
Richard Byarugaba, the ex-managing director, was removed amid legal proceedings that he deemed “malicious” and biased. Byarugaba’s tenure was originally set to conclude on November 30, 2022.
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Byarugaba’s legal filing noted Amongi’s attempt to terminate his contract early and her push for Patrick Ayota to succeed him. The intervention of the Attorney General allowed Byarugaba to complete his second term.
“Even before my second contract could run its course, Amongi attempted to bring it to a premature end. By a letter addressed to me, she claimed that I was supposed to have automatically retired upon reaching the age of 60 years, without reference to the Attorney General for advice, she ordered me to cease serving as managing director…” a lawsuit filed by his lawyers reads.
“That it is only due to the intervention of the Attorney General’s office that I was able to complete my second term in office. I know the aforesaid attempt to prematurely retire me occurred after the board of directors of NSSF had recommended to the 2nd respondent that Mr Patrick Ayota, the deputy managing director, and I be granted new contracts effective December 1, 2022,” it added.
The NSSF board expressed confidence in Ayota’s leadership, given the Fund’s new role in expanding social security coverage following legislative changes.
The chairman confirmed NSSF’s stability and progress towards exceeding its 2025 strategic objectives.
“The NSSF board is confident that Ayota is the right person to steer the Fund forward at such a critical time, following changes in legislation that oblige the Fund to play a leading role in expanding social security coverage to all Ugandans,” Kimbowa, the board chair said on Friday.
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