NSSF pushes supplier diversity and long-term partnerships

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has urged Ugandan suppliers to move beyond traditional bidding practices and embrace innovation, sustainability and long-term collaboration to drive inclusive growth.

At the 10th Suppliers Forum, which was held this week on Tuesday at Sheraton hotel, the Fund brought together suppliers, policymakers, regulators and business leaders under the theme “Powered by Diversity, Driven by Shared Growth”.

NSSF managing director Patrick Ayota explained that supplier relationships should reflect shared expectations and outcomes, noting that delivery is not just about contracts but about fulfilling agreed value. He outlined the institution’s long-term transformation agenda of increasing its membership and asserts.

“We want to have our membership move from at least 3.5 million members today to 15 million members by 2035. We call it our 50 per cent coverage…We want to grow this fund to Shs 80 trillion,” he said.

Ayota added that NSSF’s recent financial growth shows accelerated expansion, noting that assets had grown from about Shs 26 trillion in June 2025 to Shs 32 trillion within 11 months.

“Interestingly, the target for that Shs 80 trillion until about two months ago was Shs 53 trillion. But we said no, we’re going to be ambitious,” he said.

Beyond institutional strategy, the forum placed strong emphasis on how procurement systems are evolving in Uganda. Director of performance monitoring Moses Ojumbo said public procurement is increasingly being viewed as a mechanism for inclusive growth rather than just the acquisition of goods and services.

“Procurement is increasingly recognised as a lever for inclusive growth, where public spending supports local enterprise, innovation, and job creation,” he said.

Ojumbo stressed that no single supplier can meet the wide range of public procurement needs, arguing that diversity of providers is essential to efficiency and competitiveness.

He pointed out that while most contracts are awarded locally, a small percentage of international suppliers account for a significant share of total contract value, a situation he described as structurally imbalanced and risky for the economy.

Chief procurement and disposal officer Dan Mugula echoed the shift in thinking, saying the supplier forum exists to build trust, transparency and long-term partnerships between NSSF and its suppliers.

“Procurement is no longer a situation; it is no longer a transaction. It’s a long-term engagement within the ecosystem,” he said.

Mugula added that the forum, now in its 10th edition since its inception in 2016, has evolved into a platform for continuous learning, improved accountability and stronger collaboration with stakeholders.

He also pointed to NSSF’s expanding investment interests, noting that future involvement could extend into sectors such as energy and infrastructure, aligned with government frameworks.

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المصدر: The Observer (Uganda)