The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has raised concerns over the persistent exclusion of casual laborers and interns from the national savings scheme, despite existing laws mandating their inclusion. NSSF officials revealed that many employers neglect to make contributions on behalf of these workers, even though they perform regular duties and receive wages.
“Every salaried worker—whether a casual laborer or intern—is legally entitled to NSSF contributions. The law does not exempt them, except in cases where employment is purely on an ad hoc basis,” explained Mr. Geoffrey Sajjabi, NSSF’s Chief Commercial Officer, during an employer sensitization meeting held in Arua last week.
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Casual workers, who are often hired temporarily or on a daily basis without formal contracts, are common in sectors like agriculture, construction, and domestic work. Mr. Sajjabi cautioned that employers who underreport employee wages or fail to contribute to the Fund are liable to legal action, even after a decade.
Under-declaring salaries
“Employers who under-declare workers’ earnings should know the NSSF Act allows us to recover unpaid contributions even after 10 years. Let’s comply now and secure the future of these workers,” he emphasized.
Although the law guarantees benefits and wages for casual laborers who work continuously for four months, many still face challenges such as job instability, meager wages, lack of healthcare, and limited social protection.
Ms. Loyce Akandru, a casual worker in Arua, praised NSSF’s efforts, noting that she only began saving after raising concerns about her status. “I’ve now been saving with NSSF for six years. But many other casual workers are still being overlooked and not receiving their benefits,” she said.
Legal framework
In 2022, Parliament enacted the Employment (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which, among other provisions, requires employers to offer full pay and benefits for up to two months of sick leave. However, a clause that would have granted permanent status to casual workers after six months of uninterrupted work was struck down, with legislators citing fears it might scare off investors.
NSSF’s appeal
NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota called for greater accountability and equity from employers. “It’s time to end the exploitation of workers. Support them in saving for their future. As of yesterday, our Smart Life Scheme had collected Shs9 billion in voluntary savings—an encouraging milestone,” he said.
“No worker should be denied the right to save, no matter their earnings. And for those whose employers are not complying, we urge them to report—we will ensure justice is served,” Ayota added.
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