By ; Ibrahim Kigozi G|
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has announced a 22.53 per cent interest rate for its members for the financial year 2025/26, marking the highest interest rate in the Fund’s history.
The announcement was made on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during NSSF’s 14th Annual Members’ Meeting held in Kampala, where members were updated on the Fund’s financial performance, investments and future strategy.
The new rate represents a significant increase from the 13.5 per cent interest rate declared for the previous financial year. The 22.53 per cent return will translate into approximately Shs5.44 trillion being credited to members’ accounts.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, who announced the rate, said the payout was the largest interest amount ever declared by the Fund.
The announcement comes after a strong financial year for NSSF. According to figures presented by the Fund, its total income increased by about 85 per cent to Shs6.51 trillion, compared with approximately Shs3.51 trillion in the previous financial year.
NSSF’s assets under management also grew significantly, rising by about 26 per cent from Shs26 trillion in June 2025 to Shs32.8 trillion by June 2026. Member contributions increased to Shs2.42 trillion, while benefits paid to members rose to approximately Shs1.55 trillion.
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota attributed the strong performance to the Fund’s investment strategy and continued growth in member savings.
The Fund invests members’ savings across several asset classes, including government securities, equities and real estate. Its 2026 integrated report indicates that fixed-income investments remained the largest component of the portfolio, while equities and property also contributed to the overall performance.
The latest declaration is particularly significant for millions of Ugandan workers saving for their future through NSSF. The Fund currently has about 3.65 million registered members, according to its 2026 integrated report.
For individual savers, the actual amount credited to their accounts will depend on their qualifying savings balance. The interest is intended to increase the value of members’ accumulated retirement savings over time.
The announcement also comes as NSSF begins implementing its longer-term Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to expand the Fund’s membership and grow its assets to Shs80 trillion. The strategy focuses on increasing both Ugandans’ willingness and capacity to save.
NSSF has also continued encouraging Ugandans outside traditional employment arrangements to embrace voluntary saving, financial literacy and long-term financial planning.
The 22.53 per cent declaration therefore comes at a significant moment for Uganda’s retirement savings sector. Beyond the headline figure, the performance highlights the importance of consistent saving, prudent investment and effective management of workers’ contributions.
For millions of NSSF members, the announcement provides a direct financial benefit while reinforcing the Fund’s message that long-term saving can play an important role in building financial security.
As Uganda continues to strengthen its savings and investment culture, NSSF’s record interest declaration is likely to keep retirement planning and financial discipline firmly on the national conversation.