Lira, Uganda | The Managing Director of Honest Distributors Ltd Lalit Popat has underscored the importance of the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, saying it strengthens the economy by ensuring taxes paid within the country are reinvested into improving service delivery for citizens.
Popat, who has lived and operated a business in Uganda since 2004, observed that the country offers a favourable business environment, citing its well-developed road network as one of the best in East Africa.
He made the remarks on Sunday, March 29th, while responding to journalists at his hardware shop on Obote Avenue in Lira City after his company was ranked among the top 14 compliant organisations by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) across Lango, Acholi and West Nile subregions during the NSSF Employer Meetings 2026 on Wednesday, March 25th, at Margarita Palace Hotel.
Popat attributed the recognition to a deliberate shift over the past four to five years towards prioritising employee welfare through consistent social security contributions. He explained that the company fully covers both employer and employee contributions to guarantee workers’ long-term financial security.
Popat noted that this initiative has gradually changed employees’ attitudes towards saving, with some accumulating significant balances due to regular contributions and updates from NSSF. He added that the Fund’s reliability, including timely benefit payments and competitive interest rates, has strengthened confidence among workers.
At least one employee has accumulated about UGX 8 million in savings, illustrating the impact of sustained contributions. Popat said the company considers this an investment in employees’ lives beyond active employment.
He added that the business continues to supply genuine construction materials sourced from reputable manufacturers such as Steel & Tube Industries, Roofings Limited and MMI Integrated Steel Mills, serving both wholesale and retail customers in Lira and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Omonya Jerry, Director of Lira Central Primary School, said their recognition reflects a strong commitment to staff welfare. He noted that all employees are fully registered with NSSF and that the school has maintained zero defaulting.
Omonya explained that staff contribute 5% of their salaries while the school adds 10%, a model that has enhanced trust, motivation, and job satisfaction among workers. He added that the institution is investing about UGX 700 million in modern infrastructure, including dormitories and expanded boarding facilities, which have contributed to increased enrolment.
Other organisations recognised by NSSF included Trays for the Future–Lira Branch, Gold Mission EC–Ngetta and Lira Regional Referral Hospital from Lango subregion; Love One International and St. Joseph Kitgum School of Nursing from Acholi; as well as Koboko United SACCO and Arua Catholic Diocese Board of Trustees from West Nile.
The NSSF Managing Director, Patrick Ayota, reassured members that their savings are secure and backed by tangible investments. He noted that the Fund recorded an interest rate of 13.5% in the previous financial year and pays out the majority of benefits while members are still alive.
Ayota revealed that NSSF currently manages about UGX 26 trillion in member savings as of February 2026, up from UGX 15 trillion in 2015, and is targeting UGX 50 trillion by 2035 through expanded membership and increased voluntary savings.
He said innovations such as mid-term access and the Smartlife voluntary savings scheme are aimed at making saving more flexible and accessible to both formal and informal sector workers.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Geoffrey W. Sajjabi urged employers to comply with the law by registering all employees and remitting contributions by the 15th of every month.
He added that the Fund is currently implementing an amnesty campaign to allow non-compliant employers to declare and clear arrears with a 100 percent penalty waiver, noting that all workers aged between 16 and 55 qualify for mandatory contributions regardless of income level.
The Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), continues to promote locally produced goods, enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan firms, create jobs, and drive industrialization by prioritizing government procurement and supporting supplier capacity building. Complementing this, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda is strengthening employer engagement through its 2026 Regional Employer Meetings in locations including Lira and the Mid-Western region, focusing on compliance, retirement planning, supplier empowerment, and updates on the Fund’s 10-Year Strategic Plan. These meetings provide a platform for employers to interact with NSSF management, discuss enforcement against defaulters, and ensure timely remittances, reinforcing both financial security for employees and the growth of local businesses.
