NSSF Uganda, a shining example in Africa

Special 40th Anniversary Edition

Full magazine

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) and its membership of 341 social security institutions and government departments from 165 countries is honoured to congratulate the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) of Uganda as it commemorates 40 years of dedicated service to the people of Uganda.

This milestone reflects not only the institutional strength and leadership of the NSSF, but also the essential and evolving role that social security plays in protecting workers, supporting economic progress, and shaping inclusive development. Social security systems are indeed a fundamental investment in people, societies and economies. This is why global efforts to strengthen social security systems in a world in transition are of key importance.

As the global organization for social security, the ISSA warmly congratulates NSSF Uganda on its achievements and is pleased to contribute to this special publication that celebrates four decades of progress. During this period, the NSSF has played a crucial role in shaping social security. Its efforts to strengthen compliance, enhance transparency, modernize service delivery, and expand coverage reflect a commendable commitment to excellence. The Fund’s digital transformation initiatives and growing investment portfolio demonstrate how national social security institutions can contribute meaningfully to both domestic development objectives and global social security ambitions.

These efforts and innovations reflect important responses to key challenges faced not only by the NSSF but by social security systems and institutions throughout the world. This includes the objectives to extend coverage to as many workers as possible, to strengthen governance and institutional capacities to respond to evolving demands, and to enhance social and economic impact.

The NSSF’s commitment to excellence is also reflected in the international recognition that it has received, including in ISSA activities. Over the last years, several practices of the NSSF have been recognized as part of the ISSA Good Practice Award competitions, including those that were awarded with Certificates of Merit with Special Mention. At the first International Social Security Video Festival in 2025, the NSSF won the global award in the category of short video; it was also a nominee in the youth category, being the only institution worldwide nominated in two categories.

The ISSA is grateful for the commitment of the NSSF to regional and international collaboration that plays an important role towards achieving progress together. Having been an ISSA member for the entire period of its existence, the NSSF has been one of the most active member institutions in our governance, technical and regional activities. This engagement has been strengthened as the Fund has hosted the ISSA Liaison Office for East Africa since 2023, and provided commendable leadership to regional cooperation. The ISSA now looks forward to the next Regional Social Security Forum for Africa which is the most important social security event in the continent, and which will be held in Kampala.

The Forum will not only take stock of recent developments but will also be an important window to the future of social security in Africa. Important priorities including extension of coverage, strengthening governance and management, ensuring financial sustainability and adaptation of social security systems in evolving labour markets will be on the agenda.

The ISSA is proud to count the NSSF among its members and looks forward to the continued close collaboration in the promotion of social security.