In continuing efforts to sensitize the public about the importance of retirement saving, URBRA engaged technical and political leaders in the Greater Masaka area covering Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, and Masaka City. The engagement was premised on the fact that local government leaders have the advantage of convening power and proximity to the population.

Hajji Hassan Nakabaale, the URBRA Chief Manager Corporate and Public affairs led the URBRA delegation, and emphasized the importance of saving with a retirement benefits scheme regardless of other short-term savings arrangements like saccos, adding that it’s important to think about long-term saving because of what the future holds.

During the engagement, the leaders expressed desire to save for retirement, but called for continuous sensitization. The local leaders of different associations of the informal sector that include Boda-Boda (Commercial motorcycles) leaders, urged URBRA to conduct more sensitizations of their members to better understand how the retirement benefits sector works so they can confidently save with the licensed schemes. They additionally raised several issues key among their concerns were;

1. a) The withdraw of accumulated benefits at the point of retirement
2. b) what is the cost of joining a retirement scheme?
3. c) How does URBRA help members facing challenges in withdrawing their accumulated savings in NSSF?
4. d) Does URBRA have dedicated contact people at the district level to guide interested parties and continuously engage the population in that area?
5. e) The majority of the retirement schemes seem to focus on formal sector workers. What about the informal sector workers?

According to Hajji Nakabaale, these submissions have informed the Authority to carry out the following;

Continued awareness programs for informal sector workers: Given that the highest percentage of Uganda’s labor force lies in the informal sector, URBRA will continue conducting awareness programs to educate these workers about the need to save for retirement, how to join existing schemes and promote the establishment of other schemes.

The Authority will work closely with religious entities, these entities, such as churches and others have a significant presence and influence on communities, which can be an avenue to disseminate the message of saving for retirement.

Increase visibility: From the engagements, it was observed that the majority of the audience was unaware of who URBRA was. To address this, URBRA will use community centered means such as community radios, television, and other media channels to create public awareness of the Authority and its mandate to reach a wider audience.

The Authority will conduct outreach programs: as recommended in Masaka, URBRA will focus on educational drives in market areas, boda boda stages, farmer’s meetings, and other gathering points where the informal sector workers frequent.

Engaging SACCOs: the Authority also seeks to utilize the opportunity offered by the SACCO leadership in the region to engage their membership and establish a scheme within the SACCO. In conclusion, going out to communities to sensitize individuals in their locality, listening and addressing their inquiries into the retirement benefits sector promotes a sustainable and inclusive sector.