More than 300,000 university students have benefited from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Career Expo, according to Managing Director Patrick Ayota.
Speaking at the launch of the 15th edition at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, Ayota highlighted the expo’s role in bridging the gap between education and employment.
A Decade of Impact
The event, organized in partnership with Absa Bank Uganda and Fenon Events, has been running since 2010.
It provides students with career guidance, job opportunities, and essential entrepreneurship skills. Ayota expressed pride in the expo’s success, particularly in improving Uganda’s savings culture.
“Over 50,000 students who registered during the expo have become active NSSF contributors, including voluntary savers. So far, UGX 35 billion in contributions has been collected from these members,” Ayota noted. “This achievement aligns with our goal of instilling a saving culture in young people.”
A Finscope survey released last year showed that Uganda’s overall savings rate increased from 54% in 2018 to 60%.
Ayota urged students to embrace financial literacy, emphasizing that early savers tend to be more consistent and accumulate greater wealth over time.
Smart Money Moves: The 2025 Theme
This year’s expo, themed Financial Literacy: Smart Money Moves, focuses on equipping students with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, manage debt, and build a secure future.
The event will take place at 10 universities nationwide, including Makerere University, Kampala International University, Gulu University, Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Kyambogo University, and Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara.
Next Media’s Ben Mwine, representing CEO Kin Kariisa, encouraged students to embrace innovation as a driver of national development.
David Wandera, Interim Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, stressed the importance of financial empowerment in a country grappling with high unemployment rates.
“I’m passionate about helping young people secure their financial future,” Wandera stated. “At Absa, we are committed to equipping them with skills and opportunities for successful careers.
Through initiatives like ReadytoWork and partnerships with NSSF, we offer essential soft skills often overlooked in school.”
Looking Ahead
As Uganda’s job market becomes increasingly competitive, initiatives like the NSSF Career Expo play a crucial role in preparing students for the future.
By promoting financial literacy and career readiness, the expo continues to be a stepping stone for thousands of young Ugandans.
