By the close of the fiscal year 2024/25, The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda plans to distribute contracts worth Shs 827 billion. This announcement was made during the 9th Annual Suppliers Forum which took place on March 26, 2025, at the Mestil Hotel located in Kampala.
Themed "Cracking the Code of Tomorrow’s Sourcing," the gathering brought together vendors, purchasing experts, corporate executives, and important participants to explore the next phase of procurement and how digital advancements can be merged into this field.
Patrick Ayota, the Managing Director of NSSF, outlined the distribution of the contractual funds, encompassing Shs 653.9 billion designated for construction activities, Shs 118 billion set aside for supplies, Shs 39.1 billion allocated for non-consultancy related work, and Shs 16.1 billion earmarked for consultancy tasks.
He stressed that procurement is transforming into a strategic role that prioritizes more than just cost reduction—it aims at generating value, building partnerships, and promoting change to facilitate sustainable economic development.
Ayota stated that our procurement approaches are forward-looking and robust. We are integrating AI, automation, blockchain tech, data-driven decisions, and electronic procurement systems to boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance clarity.
One of the main topics discussed at the forum was the significance of ethical sourcing and sustainable procurement processes. Ayota reaffirmed NSSF's dedication to these principles, guaranteeing that their purchasing actions enhance not only financial savings but also beneficial social and ecological impacts.
Benson Tumuramye, Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), highlighted the strategic role of public procurement in national development. He noted that 60% of Uganda's national budget is allocated through public procurement, providing substantial opportunities for suppliers. Tumuramye also emphasized the government's commitment to promoting local content, pointing out that contracts valued below Shs 15 billion are reserved for local contractors.
The forum offered suppliers crucial information about procurement policies, adherence standards, and emerging commercial prospects. Additionally, it encouraged conversations around innovation, environmental responsibility, and aligning purchasing approaches with extended fiscal and societal objectives. The NSSF aims at fostering robust partnerships with suppliers to improve workflow effectiveness, mitigate potential hazards, and support broader economic expansion.
A ₦50 trillion fund over 10 years
Ayota highlighted NSSF’s strategic objective to expand its asset base to Shs 50 trillion by 2035. This aspirational aim is bolstered by recent regulatory shifts, including the obligatory participation of all employers in the fund and the introduction of flexible saving opportunities for Uganda's informal economy, which makes up approximately 80% of employment. Such measures anticipate substantial improvements in NSSF’s capacity to generate benefits for its members and support Uganda’s social and economic progress.
The 9th NSSF Suppliers Forum highlighted the organization's dedication to innovation, cooperation, and environmentally responsible purchasing strategies.
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