The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced that by the end of the current financial year 2024/25, it will have awarded contracts worth Shs118 billion to suppliers. The revelation was made during the 9th NSSF Suppliers Forum held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, where the Fund’s Managing Director, Patrick Ayota, outlined the institution’s procurement plans and strategic vision.

Ayota disclosed that NSSF’s total procurement expenditure for the year will reach Shs827 billion, with the largest portion—Shs653.9 billion—allocated to works. Another Shs39.1 billion will go to non-consultancy services, while consultancy services will receive Shs16.1 billion. He emphasized that as a custodian of millions of Ugandans’ savings, NSSF is committed to ensuring that every shilling spent delivers maximum value.

“We recognize that every shilling spent must create value—not just in cost efficiency, but in service quality, risk management, and positive social impact,” Ayota said. He added that the Fund is working towards expanding its coverage from the current 15% to 50% of Uganda’s working population, growing its assets from Shs25 trillion to Shs50 trillion, and achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate by 2025.

Ayota explained that procurement is no longer just about cutting costs but has evolved into a strategic function that drives transformation and economic growth. He said NSSF’s procurement strategies will focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, leveraging technology to enhance operations.

“As one of Uganda’s largest institutional investors, NSSF’s procurement strategies will be future-focused, innovative, and resilient,” he stated. The Fund plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and blockchain into its procurement processes to improve efficiency and transparency. Additionally, e-procurement platforms will be used to provide real-time insights and ensure fair competition.

Sustainability will also be a key priority, with NSSF committing to ethical sourcing, environmentally responsible procurement, and compliance with global sustainability standards. “We shall ensure green supply chains and circular economy principles in our procurement processes,” Ayota said.

Benson Tumuramye, the Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), highlighted the role of public procurement in Uganda’s economic development. He noted that 60% of the national budget is channeled through public procurement, presenting significant opportunities for local suppliers.

“The law has reserved certain contracts for local suppliers. Any project below Shs15 billion must be awarded to Ugandan contractors,” Tumuramye said. He urged suppliers to take advantage of these opportunities, emphasizing that the government is deliberately promoting local content to boost domestic businesses.

Edward Ssengendo Kkuob, Director of Monil Cleaning and Fumigation Services Limited, shared his experience as a supplier, encouraging fellow business owners to remain persistent in bidding for contracts.

“You are not going to win every bid, but you must keep trying. Sometimes you will be disqualified, but if you don’t show up, someone else will take the opportunity,” Ssengendo said. He advised suppliers to ensure full compliance with procurement requirements to improve their chances of success.

The NSSF Suppliers Forum served as a platform for engagement between the Fund and its suppliers, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving mutual growth. With billions of shillings set to be injected into the economy through procurement, local businesses stand to benefit significantly—provided they align with NSSF’s standards of efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

As NSSF moves toward its ambitious targets, its procurement strategy will play a crucial role in not only growing the Fund but also contributing to Uganda’s broader economic development. Suppliers who adapt to these evolving demands will be well-positioned to secure contracts and thrive in a competitive marketplace.