Our Sustainability
Sustainability strategy and goals
Sustainability anchored in ESG principles
At the core of the Fund’s purpose lies sustainability, firmly anchored in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. For over 40 years, we have safeguarded the value and security of our members’ savings, reflected in our achievement of reaching UGX 26 trillion in Assets under Management (AuM) and delivering on our pledge of a minimum return of 2.5% above inflation. These efforts have contributed to an 88%-member satisfaction rating, emphasising the trust our 3.35 million members place in us.
As we enter the Vision 2035 era, the expansion of financial inclusion remains central to our strategy. Our ambition is to grow membership coverage from 3.35 million to 15 million Ugandans by 2035, achieved through widening access to benefits and embedding ESG principles across all aspects of our sustainability strategy. This will require determined efforts to continue investing prudently for our members, protecting the natural environment, and serving communities through strong and transparent governance.
Embedding ESG principles in our business model empowers us to champion environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience, ensuring sustainability is not a separate initiative but a core pillar of how we create long-term value.
Environmental stewardship
NSSF is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through proactive and innovative initiatives. Our efforts focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, and promoting resource efficiency and recycling.
Within our real estate portfolio, we apply green building practices to ensure energy-efficiency, responsible water use, and environmentally friendly developments.
By integrating water conservation, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable waste management, we aim to set a benchmark in the sector.
We are also prioritising biodiversity by designing projects that respect and enhance local ecosystems, positioning the Fund as a pioneer in environmentally sustainable real estate development.
Celebrating 40 years of pension support and social investment
At the heart of our ESG-focused sustainability strategy, is our pledge to societal well-being, financial security, and inclusive development as a responsible corporate citizen.
Since inception, the Fund has safeguarded the retirement savings of millions of Ugandans while contributing to the growth of the national economy.
Our financial strength has enabled us to channel resources into initiatives that uplift communities, enhance livelihoods, and stimulate sustainable development, reinforcing our dual role as both a trusted pension provider and a driver of socio-economic progress.
Key social investment achievements
Education
Through targeted investments and partnerships, NSSF has strengthened educational infrastructure and skills development programmes, helping to build a more empowered and competitive workforce.
Healthcare
The Fund has invested in health-related projects that improve access to quality care, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the well-being of members and the broader public.
Entrepreneurship
More than 11,610 women entrepreneurs have benefited from the NSSF Hi-Innovator programme, which provides seed funding, incubation, and certified entrepreneurship training. This initiative is playing a key role in driving job creation and economic resilience.
Financial inclusion
The launch of the Smartlife Flexi savings plan has created a retirement safety net that extends beyond the formal workforce, transforming the savings culture, particularly for underserved populations.
Livelihoods support
In 2024, NSSF launched a livelihoods support project targeting Uganda’s informal sector, with the goal of bringing 4 million workers into the formal savings ecosystem, an essential step toward universal social protection.
Our employees remain the foundation of our success. We endeavor to continuously improve their welfare by promoting a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace that encourages continuous learning, innovation, and development.
Governance
Supervision of the Fund’s sustainability agenda is guided by a strong governance framework that ensures accountability, transparency, and leadership over decisions that impact our stakeholders, including members, employees, investors, suppliers, and the broader community.Upholding rigorous corporate governance standards remain fundamental to the Fund’s operations.
Skills development for the Board of Trustees and Executive Management is prioritised to ensure that fiduciary responsibilities are met with diligence and foresight. Robust structures and controls safeguard independence and prudence in decision-making, while ensuring that all actions are guided by professional expertise and experience across the organisation.
The articulation and measurement of member and societal value have been institutionalised through a balanced scorecard model, which is linked to remuneration and reinforced by a strong culture of ethical conduct. We consistently go beyond regulatory requirements by publishing audited financial statements in a timely manner and subjecting them to rigorous public scrutiny through the Annual Members’ Meeting.
The insights and feedback gathered from our members play a pivotal role in shaping governance decisions, ensuring that the Fund’s actions remain aligned with the long-term interests and well-being of our stakeholders.
Economic resilience
Economic resilience at the Fund is built on three pillars: sustainable growth, proactive risk management, and long-term value creation. By diversifying our investment portfolio across multiple sectors and regions, we mitigate exposure to market volatility, enhance portfolio stability, and ensure consistent returns for our members over time.
Between 2015 and 2025, under our 10-year strategic plan, the Fund successfully navigated several economic disruptions, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite rising benefit payouts, averaging UGX 1.2 trillion annually, the impact on member returns remained minimal. This performance demonstrates the strength of our investment governance, the agility of our portfolio strategy, and our steadfast commitment to protecting member savings while contributing to Uganda’s broader economic development