The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has issued a challenge to schools that have benefited from the NSSF Kampala Hills Run. NSSF Managing Director, Patrick Ayota, has called on these schools to mobilize an additional UGX 100 million from their communities. This initiative aims to support development projects in the schools. Ayota made this announcement ahead of the 8th edition of the NSSF Kampala Hills Run scheduled for Sunday, 6th December 2026.
According to Ayota, the NSSF will match the amount raised by the schools, bringing the total to UGX 200 million. These funds can be used for additional works such as fencing or renovating another classroom block. The goal is to encourage community involvement and support for the schools. Beneficiary schools, including Lira Modern and St. Mary’s, have been tasked with engaging their alumni, village mates, and friends to contribute to this initiative.
The NSSF has broadened its initiative by involving local district leaders and headteachers, enabling the Fund to have a wider reach. However, during school assessments, the Fund can only work within a limited capacity. Ayota described this as just scratching the surface. To close this gap, the NSSF wants to expand partnerships at the community level.
Schools have been challenged to raise the UGX 100 million by 31st March. Ayota explained that the initiative will be run as an experiment to encourage contributions of as little as UGX 5,000 and UGX 10,000. He noted that if 100 people contribute UGX 10,000 each, it already amounts to UGX 1 million. The NSSF will provide an account where contributions will be deposited for transparency.
In addition to this challenge, Ayota emphasized the importance of inculcating a savings culture among primary school pupils. He cited an example from his home village of Nyem Nyem in Tororo, where many people spend a significant amount on malwa. Ayota challenged parents to forgo some of these expenses and save at least UGX 5,000 monthly for their children through the NSSF Smartlife Savings account.
Uganda has 9.1 million pupils in primary schools, and if just 10 percent, about one million pupils, save UGX 5,000 per month, it would translate into UGX 5 billion a month and UGX 60 billion a year. At the end of the year, a parent would have UGX 60,000 to support their child’s education. This initiative would be beneficial for the student, the parent, and the Fund.
The NSSF Managing Director believes that this initiative will not only support school development projects but also promote a culture of savings among Ugandans. By engaging communities and encouraging contributions, the NSSF aims to make a significant impact on education and economic development in Uganda.
Key points
- The NSSF will match funds raised by schools, up to UGX 200 million.
- The initiative aims to promote a savings culture among primary school pupils.
- The NSSF Kampala Hills Run is scheduled for Sunday, 6th December 2026.
