Betty Amongi Appoints Patrick Ayota as NSSF MD

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development , Betty Amongi has appointed Patrick Ayota as the Managing Director of NSSF for a period of five years. Ayota has been serving in acting capacity for eight months.

“We are pleased to inform NSSF members, stakeholders, and the public that the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development Hon Betty Amongi has appointed Patrick M Ayota the Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for a period of five years effective August 18, 2023,” a letter from the NSDF Board Chair Dr Peter Kimbowa read.

The appointment follows the NSSF Board of Director’s recommendation to the Minister, in accordance with Sections 39 and 40 of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Act, as amended.

Ayota has been the Fund’s Ag Managing Director for the last 8 months during which he ensured stability of the Fund during a challenging period.

He has also served as Deputy Managing Director since December 2017 and Chief Financial Officer since July 2011.

His appointment also comes at a time the fund is facing internal and external scrutiny. In a related development, the Former Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba, has petitioned the civil division of the High court challenging a decision not to renew his contract.      

Byarugaba is also seeking an order directing Gender, Labour and Social Development minister Betty Amongi to fulfil her statutory duties and complete his reappointment as the MD of NSSF as recommended by the board and required by the law.   

Byarugaba argues that the decision to reject the recommendation of the board to reappoint him was procedurally incorrect because it was done without giving him a right to a fair hearing thereby violating his legitimate expectations.

However, the Board says it is confident that he (Ayota) is the right person to steer the Fund forward at such a critical time following changes in legislation that oblige the Fund to play a leading role in expanding social security coverage to all Ugandans.

“The Board assures all NSSF members, stakeholders, and the public that their Fund is stable and on course to surpass its 2015-2025 Strategic Objectives.”