By Muthoni Karubiu
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has issued a statement disputing the allegations of fraud and corruption reported by the local media on May 3.
The allegations came to light when the IGG, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, said her office had received a dossier from an anonymous (whistleblower) containing information that accused NSSF managers of using workers savings for selfish purposes.
An investigation will now be opened into the dealings of the Fund and its managers.
The report accused the unnamed NSSF bosses of illegal behavior in several deals including the buying of Umeme shares and sale of land in Namirembe.
The Fund’s Managing Director Richard Byarugaba told journalists at the Fund’s head offices in Kampala on May 3 that these allegations are “absolutely false and are intended to tarnish the reputation of the Fund”.
Byarugaba gave justifications for the Fund’s actions in each of the transactions in question.
He said the shares in Umeme that the whistleblower alleged were bought after receiving approval by the attorney general and other relevant authorities including the ministry of finance.
He added the value of NSSF’s investment in Umeme has so far grown by Shs5billion in less than six months.
The other issues raised by the whistleblower were the joint venture the Fund entered into with SBI for planned housing estate at Lubowa, queries on the land title for the national farmers’ federation land, issues concerning staff remuneration among others.
Mulyonga said the allegations of the case are still being studied and the dossier containing the information had not been registered or evaluated by Friday (May 3) morning.
“We are ready to cooperate with the IGG in this investigation,” Byarugaba said.
