The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has recognized and awarded individuals with the best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects during the NSSF Torch Awards 2015 which is one of the Fund’s flagship CSR initiatives.
Launched in 2012 the Award recognises and supports projects that have made a positive contribution to communities in Education, Health, Youth and other Disadvantaged Groups as defined in the Fund’s CSR Policy.
While presiding over the award dinner, Uganda’s First Lady and MP for Ruhama County and Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Janet Museveni applauded NSSF for the initiative.
“We appreciate the NSSF Torch Awards initiative because it complements Government’s efforts in creating wealth for all and transforming society,” Janet Museveni noted, adding that CSR activities enhance a company’s reputation and also ensures that businesses meet their corporate objectives.
“If more Ugandans improve their income levels, it also means more business for your companies. I believe that’s why NSSF is leading the way with Torch Awards,” she added.
NSSF Managing Director Richard Patrick Byarugaba said ‘The NSSF Torch Awards is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that was introduced by the Fund in 2012 to recognize individuals and institutions who are transforming communities’.
He noted that the Fund’s CSR Strategy stems from its sustainable approach to doing business which involves being exemplary in its financial performance while at the same time setting high corporate social responsibility targets. Mr, Byarugaba said a sum of Shs80m was set aside to be given away to individual and institutions that have life changing projects in education, health, the youth and other disadvantaged groups.
“Each winner from all regions of Uganda will receive Shs15m as prize for their outstanding projects. The national winner will receive Shs20m”, he said.
The winners for 2015, included Kyamaleera Women Handicraft Association from Hoima; 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (40-40) from Luwero; Rachele Comprehensive, Pearl Foundation for Children and Widows (PFCW) from Butaleja, Child Care & Rescue Programme (CC&RP) from Gomba.
5 projects benefited and have been implemented by the winners of the last edition of the Torch Awards 2013. They include Youth and Women Empowerment Foundation (Kabarole), Mbale Maternity Home, Kisozi orphan support center – Gomba, and Children of Uganda- Mukono.
