NSSF Career Expo Engages Students on Financial Literacy.
NSSF in collaboration with ABSA Bank, has launched the 15th Edition of the NSSF Career Expo with a call to embrace a saving culture. The Initiative aims at equipping young people with the necessary resources to navigate the transition from education to employment effectively.
This annual initiative has had a significant impact on Uganda’s youth by fostering a culture of financial literacy, offering career guidance, internships, job opportunities, and entrepreneurial skills to university students.
At the launch event held at Uganda Christian University (UCU), National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Director Patrick Ayota highlighted the program’s success, noting that over 300,000 students have benefited from the Career Expo.
He emphasized the importance of promoting a savings culture among the youth, revealing that 50,000 students who registered through the expo have since become active NSSF contributors, with contributions amounting to UGX 35 billion over the years.
According to Ayota, financial literacy is crucial for achieving financial independence.
A recent Finscope survey that reported an increase in Ugandans saving both formally and informally from 54% in 2018 to 60% in 2023.
He encouraged students to start saving early, regardless of their income level, and introduced the Smart-Life Flexi platform, which allows young people to save as little as UGX 5,000 weekly with a 13% interest rate.
“Smart Life is a voluntary savings program that eliminates the mindset that one needs a lot of money to start saving. A person can save weekly, monthly, or even once a year. The key is developing the discipline to save consistently. Over the past four months, over 15,000 members have joined the platform voluntarily, collectively saving UGX 7.2 billion,” Ayota explained.
Beyond savings, Ayota advised students to maximize the resources at their disposal and build sustainable personal brands. He emphasized that time management and integrity are critical qualities for professional success.
David Wandera, the Interim Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of financial empowerment for young people, especially in a country grappling with high unemployment rates.
“At Absa, we aim to be a force for good by equipping young people with skills that enhance employability. Through initiatives like the Absa Ready-to-Work program and partnerships with organizations like NSSF, we provide essential soft skills that are often overlooked in academic institutions,” Wandera said.
He further encouraged students to consider borrowing for viable investments under expert financial guidance, stating that responsible borrowing could act as a form of saving for the future.
Ben Mwine, the Corporate and Public Affairs Manager at Next Media, urged students to embrace innovation as a tool for national development.
He emphasized the importance of discipline, determination, dedication, diligence, and divinity—qualities he considers crucial for achieving long-term success.
Mwine challenged students to look beyond classroom theories and focus on building strong networks and competencies beyond academics.
“The knowledge you gain in class will only provide a basic foundation, but what will truly set you apart is your network, character, and determination. Excellence comes from discipline. A great example is Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains at the peak of his game at 40 years old because of his discipline, diligence, and determination—not just talent,” Mwine said.
This year’s Career Expo is themed “Financial Literacy: Smart Money Moves” and aims to empower students to make informed financial decisions, manage debt wisely, and build a secure financial future. The event will be hosted across 10 universities in Uganda, including UCU, Makerere University, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kyambogo University, and Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara.
The expo continues to serve as a vital platform for young Ugandans to gain practical knowledge and skills, helping them transition seamlessly from academic life to the professional world while fostering a culture of financial responsibility and personal growth.
