NSSF Common User Facility Programme Empowers Women and Youth in Lira

Corporate editorUpdated 3 weeks Ago2 Mins read107

LIRA CITY WEST — Women and youth in Ongica “B” Cell, Anai Ward, over the weekend benefited from a major economic empowerment initiative under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)-led Common User Facility Programme, aimed at turning practical skills into sustainable income and strengthening a culture of saving in Northern Uganda.

The programme, implemented through the Northern Uganda Women’s Network for Business Development, brought together government officials, development partners, and community leaders in a coordinated effort to promote financial literacy, expand vocational skills, and support small-scale enterprise growth in Lira City West.

The event was attended by the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, alongside senior NSSF officials and partners, who emphasised the role of skills development and structured savings in driving household economic transformation.

NSSF Supervisor for Financial Literacy Mass Sensitisation, Robert Igalo, encouraged families to improve financial discipline by tracking household expenses and setting clear budgets.

“Families should identify and write down all their household expenses so they can better understand their spending habits,” he said.

NSSF Senior Manager for Partnerships and Business Development, Brendah Arinda, commended the progress of the programme, noting that nearly 1,500 women have already been registered with NSSF to strengthen financial inclusion.

She explained that equipment provided under the initiative is meant to generate jobs and income at the community level.

“The equipment being handed over is meant to create opportunities, jobs, and income for communities,” she said.

She also encouraged participants to embrace consistent saving through NSSF Smartlife Flexi, noting that small contributions can build long-term financial stability.

NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota praised the Lira pilot programme, saying it is designed to measure real impact in terms of job creation and savings after one year. He urged beneficiaries to make full use of the opportunity, adding that strong performance could attract expanded support.

Hon. Betty Amongi described the initiative as part of broader government efforts to transition communities from job seekers to job creators through practical skilling programmes. She noted that beneficiaries had been trained in tailoring, salon services, bakery, and restaurant management, with many already receiving equipment such as sewing machines to support their businesses.

She further highlighted that the programme responded to earlier challenges with outdated tools, prompting NSSF and partners to supply improved equipment to boost productivity. The engagement ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to expand skills development, strengthen savings culture, and scale up community-led economic empowerment across Northern Uganda.