For many Ugandans working in the informal sector, saving for retirement has long been considered something meant only for people with formal jobs and regular salaries. However, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) says that is no longer the case.
Through its SmartLife Flexi campaign, the Fund is taking retirement savings services directly to communities across Uganda, making it easier for self-employed people to save for their future.
What is SmartLife Flexi?
SmartLife Flexi is a voluntary savings scheme designed for Ugandans who earn irregular incomes. Unlike traditional pension plans that require fixed monthly contributions, members can save any amount whenever they have money.
This means a person can contribute today, skip a few days or weeks if business is slow, and resume saving when they are financially able.
The flexibility makes the scheme suitable for people whose incomes change from day to day.
Who can join?
The scheme targets workers in Uganda’s informal sector, including boda boda riders, farmers, market vendors, traders, mechanics, tailors, salon operators, artisans and other self-employed Ugandans.
Essentially, anyone earning an income outside formal employment can voluntarily join the scheme.
Why is NSSF taking the campaign to communities?
Instead of waiting for people to visit NSSF offices, the Fund is now meeting them where they work and live.
Over the past several months, NSSF teams have visited districts including Omoro, Bududa, Sironko, Lira, Ggaba, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kiryandongo and Kole.
The outreach includes community meetings, market activations and partnerships with SACCOs, cooperatives, local leaders and grassroots organisations to help people register and learn about the scheme.
Why is flexibility important?
Many informal workers do not earn the same amount every month.
A trader may have good sales one week and poor business the next. A farmer may earn most of their income only after harvest. A boda boda rider’s daily earnings can also vary.
Because of this, committing to fixed monthly pension contributions can be difficult.
SmartLife Flexi removes that challenge by allowing members to save according to what they can afford at any given time.
Is the campaign only about saving? No. NSSF says the campaign also teaches financial literacy.
Participants receive practical guidance on budgeting, managing money, developing consistent saving habits and preparing for retirement.
The aim is to change the belief that retirement planning is only for people employed in government or private companies.
What does NSSF say?
According to Dennis Marsha Kabuuka, NSSF Manager for Livelihood, the campaign is intended to ensure that every Ugandan has access to social security.
“This initiative is aimed at securing every Ugandan’s future. Through SmartLife Flexi, we are taking social security closer to communities that have traditionally had limited access to retirement savings. Every Ugandan deserves the opportunity to build financial resilience and prepare for life beyond their working years,” Kabuuka said.
Why does this matter?
Uganda’s informal sector employs the majority of the country’s workforce, yet many workers have no structured retirement savings.
By making retirement saving more accessible and flexible, NSSF hopes to improve financial inclusion, encourage a culture of saving and help more households become financially secure in the long term.
