In a recent ruling, the High Court in Kampala rejected Richard Byarugaba’s attempt to challenge Minister Betty Amongi’s decision to replace him as the Managing Director of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Byarugaba was ousted from his position after Minister Amongi opted not to renew his contract, appointing Patrick Ayota as his successor in 2023.
Justice Musa Ssekaana, delivering the verdict on April 19, 2024, deemed Byarugaba’s removal lawful under the discretionary powers vested in the Minister by the NSSF Act.
In August 2023, Byarugaba filed a petition against the Attorney General and Minister Amongi, seeking to compel her to fulfill her statutory obligations and reinstate him as NSSF MD, as per the Board’s recommendation and legal requirements.
Byarugaba argued procedural irregularities and claimed that the Minister’s decision failed to afford him a fair hearing, thus violating his legitimate expectations.
Having served as NSSF boss since August 1, 2010, Byarugaba’s second term, which began on November 29, 2017, expired on November 30, 2022.
NSSF, boasting 2,000,000 members and assets valued at SHS18 trillion, faces the future with this performance in hand.