The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Career Expo is held at UMU Nkozi

Uganda Martyrs University hosted an exciting and impactful event for its final-year students – the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Expo 2024. The Expo, part of a national initiative aimed at empowering university students, took place as part of the NSSF’s nationwide tour of 11 major universities across Uganda.

The NSSF Expo provides an invaluable opportunity for university finalists to gain crucial knowledge and insights into the importance of savings, financial planning, and retirement. During the event, NSSF recruits and registers students who are about to enter the job market, allowing them to become members of the Fund in preparation for their future careers. Once employed, these students will be able to contribute to the Fund, helping secure their financial future and build a foundation for retirement from the moment they begin their professional journey.

This year’s NSSF Expo at UMU was a major highlight for the university, drawing a large number of students eager to learn more about their financial futures. The event was not just about registration, but also about education – with engaging presentations, interactive sessions, and one-on-one consultations that explained how the Fund works and how it can benefit future employees in Uganda.

The NSSF Expo at UMU is part of a wider effort that has been taking place for over eight years, benefiting more than 100,000 university finalists across the country. For many students, the Expo is their first introduction to the importance of saving for retirement, and it sets them on a path toward financial literacy that will help them thrive in the professional world.

Through the Expo, students gain an understanding of how NSSF works and why early contributions to the Fund can have a profound impact on their long-term financial health. The event also provides the opportunity for students to register with NSSF, becoming members even before they start their first jobs. This proactive approach ensures that students begin contributing to their retirement savings from day one of their employment, fostering a culture of financial responsibility from the outset of their careers.

For the students at UMU, the Expo wasn’t just about signing up for a savings plan—it was an eye-opening experience that encouraged them to think about their future financial well-being. The Expo highlighted the importance of starting early and making informed decisions about money management. With Uganda’s growing workforce, the NSSF Expo is a crucial step in creating a financially savvy generation that understands the importance of saving for retirement and beyond.

As part of this year’s event, NSSF representatives spoke about the broader social and economic benefits of the Fund, explaining how it contributes to Uganda’s national growth by encouraging savings among working citizens. This is particularly important as Uganda’s youthful population prepares to enter the workforce, and it’s crucial that young professionals have access to financial tools that can help them plan for the future.

At UMU, we remain committed to providing our students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed not only in their academic journeys but in their personal and professional lives as well. The NSSF Expo is just one example of how UMU is preparing its graduates to be responsible, proactive, and financially secure members of society.

Stay tuned for more updates on future initiatives and events that continue to shape the next generation of leaders here at UMU.