IGG prime investigator in the NSSF saga.
Drake Nyamugabwa
The Board Chairman National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Dr Peter Kimbowa, is reported to have confirmed that have already recommended to the government’s relevant investigative bodies, the IGG’s office inclusive, to commence investigations through the Inspectorate of Government Beti Kamya Tirwomwe
“We have already recommended to the relevant established government investigative organs to carry out investigations and they will report back to us…. IGG is investigator number one,” he said.
Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms Betty Amongi said that during a meeting on December 22, President Museveni ordered investigations into alleged abuse of the Fund by the MD of NSSF then Richard Byarugaba
Minister Amongi then instructed Board Chairman Kimbowa to spearhead the investigations, a matter that could shape the agenda for NSSF board meeting.
Dr Kimbowa said the meeting will discuss the Fund’s business continuity, among other issues.
“Our meeting is about business continuity and contingency planning given the expectations of our members in 2023 amid the many uncertainties around. Our job as a board is to provide an overall stewardship and oversight role.
He added that: “We are also working as much as we can to recover from the previous two years of lockdown and how the Fund can integrate and relevantly play a role in the national economic recovery framework,” he said.
The Inspectorate of Government spokesperson, Ms Munira Ali, said she couldn’t verify whether the matter was referred to their office or not.
“I have so far checked from the file, but there is no concrete evidence of reference for that matter. Maybe you get back to us tomorrow after I have done more consultations,” she said.
After the expiry of Byarugaba’s contract, his deputy, Mr Patrick Ayota, was named the Acting Managing Director and substantive deputy for the next five years.
Sections 39 and 40 of NSSF Act, Chapter 222, as amended, provides for the managing director and deputy managing director, respectively, to be appointed by the minister, in this case, Ms Amongi, on the recommendation of the board.
In a 22-page petition signed by more than 100 workers to the President and Ms Amongi, the workers requested that an investigation is carried out into Mr Byarugaba’s management of NSSF projects, illegalities, and the way contracts and procurement are made.
