Enock’s Savings Strategy For Life’s Uncertainties
Monday, May 12 2025 9:51 am
By Julius Businge, Financial Journalist
Let’s start with a little bit about who you are. What do you do for a living, what’s your family like, and what brings you fulfillment in your daily work?
My name is Enock Ndinywa. I wear two hats professionally — I work as a driver and also as a teacher at Big Dream Kindergarten and Primary School located in Nakuwade, Bulenga. I’m married to Nassazi Phiona Esther, and together, we are raising four beautiful daughters. What truly brings me joy in my work is the knowledge that I’m making a meaningful difference, whether it’s ensuring people get to their destinations safely or playing a role in shaping young minds in the classroom. That feeling of purpose keeps me going every day.
There are many Ugandans who haven’t started saving seriously yet, let alone thinking about retirement. What inspired you to begin your saving journey with NSSF, and how long ago was that?
I started saving with NSSF a few years back, driven by a simple but powerful motivation — to build a secure and dignified future for myself and my loved ones. As a husband and father of four, I’ve come to understand just how unpredictable life can be. The idea of growing old and being financially dependent on others worried me. I wanted to take responsibility for my future, and saving with NSSF gave me that opportunity. It wasn’t just about retirement — it was about gaining peace of mind today by preparing for tomorrow. I started saving in March 2022 (mandatory), and the savings (UGX60,000) are from my teaching job. The voluntary saving of UGX10,000 is from the driving job and is done under NSSF SmartLife Flexi.
Many people settle for the mandatory savings and don’t consider contributing more. Why did you decide to go the extra mile and make voluntary contributions in addition to the mandatory ones?
The truth is, I did some thinking and realised that mandatory savings alone wouldn’t be enough, especially for someone with a family of six like mine. Life is expensive, and the older we get, the more financial responsibilities we have. I didn’t want to get to retirement and be caught off guard. Voluntary saving gave me a way to take more control of my financial future. It allows me to increase my savings at a pace I’m comfortable with — and it gives me a sense of empowerment.
It’s often said that saving is easier said than done, especially for people juggling daily expenses. How do you manage to set aside extra money each month for voluntary savings? Are there any habits or disciplines that help you stay consistent?
Saving extra hasn’t always been easy, but consistency has been my anchor. I treat voluntary saving as a non-negotiable expense, just like rent or school fees. Once I get my earnings, I save first before I spend on anything else. Over time, it has become a habit. I also try to live within my means and avoid spending on things that aren’t urgent or necessary. The key is discipline, but also keeping your goals in mind. When you know what you’re working toward, it becomes easier to make sacrifices.
Since you began making these extra contributions, have you experienced any personal or financial benefits?
Absolutely. The biggest benefit has been peace of mind. I don’t feel as anxious about the future as I used to. I also feel more in control of my financial life. Saving more has forced me to be intentional with how I budget and spend my money. It has changed how I think about both short and long-term planning. I now view money as a tool for building stability, not just for surviving from month to month.
In what ways do you believe your voluntary savings with NSSF are helping you prepare not just for retirement but for unexpected life events along the way?
Voluntary savings act as a safety cushion. Yes, they’re meant for retirement — but they also represent hope and security in case life throws a curveball. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a school fee shortfall, or a business opportunity, I know I’ve got something growing in the background. It’s like planting a tree. You may not see the fruit immediately, but one day, it will provide shade when you need it most.
Some people think mandatory savings are enough and don’t see the need to go beyond that. What would you tell someone who holds that belief?
I would tell them, respectfully, that mandatory savings are only the starting point. They are not a full solution. If you want to live comfortably later in life — and avoid becoming a financial burden to your children or relatives — you have to take extra steps. Even if you start small, those small voluntary top-ups compound over time. The earlier and more consistently you do it, the more prepared you’ll be when the storms of life come. You may not realise it now, but your future self will be incredibly grateful.
Finally, what advice would you give to young professionals or informal sector workers who haven’t yet begun saving — or who feel that saving more is out of reach for them?
I would say this: Don’t wait until you’re older or earning more to start saving. The best time to begin is now. Even if you’re making a modest income, you can always find a small amount to put aside. It’s not about how much you save at once but how consistent you are. Over time, those small amounts add up. And for informal workers, especially, voluntary saving is a powerful tool. It’s flexible, and it helps you build a safety net that you control. If you value your future, start building it now.
