NSSF Uganda, Interswitch partner to expand social security coverage

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has entered into a strategic partnership with Interswitch Uganda to extend social security services to more Ugandans through digital financial agents, in a move aimed at deepening savings and expanding inclusion among informal workers.

Through the partnership, NSSF aims to onboard over 100,000 new voluntary savers onto its SmartLife Flexi product via Interswitch’s Quickteller agent network, which currently boasts more than 20,000 outlets across the country.

Speaking at the announcement in Kampala on Wednesday, NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota said the collaboration is part of the Fund’s long-term ambition under its Vision 2035 Strategic Plan to increase social security coverage to 50 percent of Uganda’s workforce — or about 15 million people — by 2035.

“Guided by our mandate to provide social security to all eligible Ugandans, one of our key strategic pillars is to increase coverage,” Mr. Ayota said. “We will achieve this by creating both the capacity and the willingness to save.”

Mr. Ayota noted that NSSF’s mandatory contributions business continues to perform strongly, with assets under management now exceeding Shs 26 trillion, driven by consistent member compliance and sound investment decisions that continue to generate competitive returns.

On the voluntary side, he highlighted the rapid success of the SmartLife Flexi savings product, which marks one year since its launch this month.

“In just 12 months, SmartLife Flexi has achieved remarkable growth,” he said. “The total portfolio now stands at Shs 52 billion, with 49,000 members and over 250,000 transactions recorded.”

He added that the top savings goals among members include investment, financial independence, emergencies, housing, and education — clear indicators that Ugandans are eager to save when given the right tools and access.

Mr. Ayota also disclosed that NSSF has already begun disbursing benefits to SmartLife Flexi savers who need to access their funds. In just three months, the Fund has paid out Shs 3 billion, demonstrating what he called “efficient, transparent, and responsive” processes.

“This should reassure anyone who still believes accessing savings is cumbersome. Our systems are designed to serve members quickly and reliably,” he said.

Digital Innovation for Inclusion

Through the new partnership, Ugandans can now register for SmartLife Flexi and make contributions at any time and from anywhere, using their nearest Quickteller agent. The service will also allow employers to make mandatory NSSF contributions through the same network, simplifying the process and promoting compliance.

“This collaboration is not only about voluntary savings,” Mr. Ayota explained. “It also enables companies to make their mandatory contributions through Quickteller, creating a truly convenient and member-centered ecosystem.”

He added that by leveraging Interswitch’s established digital infrastructure, the Fund is removing the barriers that have traditionally kept millions of informal workers out of Uganda’s social security system.

Bringing Savings Closer to the People

Mr. Moris Seguya, Country General Manager of Interswitch Uganda, described the initiative as a major step toward addressing Uganda’s savings gap, particularly in the informal sector, where over 80 percent of the population earns a living.

“The informal sector has long lacked structured and incentivized mechanisms for saving,” Mr. Seguya said. “With SmartLife Flexi, workers can now save as little as Shs 5,000 a day, and with Quickteller’s extensive agent network, they can conveniently make deposits from virtually anywhere.”

He explained that Quickteller agents operate in ordinary community outlets — from duukas and kiosks to mini-shops — making financial services “literally within arm’s reach” for millions of Ugandans.

“For us at Interswitch, this partnership delivers on our commitment to democratize access to digital financial services. It’s not just about technology — it’s about inclusion, trust, and empowerment,” he said.

Mr. Seguya emphasized that the collaboration represents more than a business alliance; it is a national effort to promote financial inclusion and long-term security for Ugandans.

“In Uganda, over 80 percent of workers are in the informal sector, where access to formal savings and investment platforms is limited,” he said. “Through this partnership, NSSF brings the savings product, while Interswitch provides the infrastructure to make enrollment and saving simple, fast, and reliable.”

“Together, we are transforming financial access from a privilege into a possibility for all,” he concluded.

At a Glance: NSSF–Interswitch Partnership

• Goal: Onboard 100,000 new voluntary savers onto SmartLife Flexi
• Platform: Interswitch Quickteller Agent Network (20,000+ agents)
• SmartLife Flexi milestones:
  • Portfolio: Shs 52 billion
  • Members: 49,000
  • Transactions: 250,000
• NSSF assets under management: Shs 26 trillion
• Vision 2035 target: Cover 50% of Uganda’s workforce (15 million people)