The High Court sitting in Kampala has dismissed an attempt by Richard Byarugaba seeking to overturn the decision of Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, that removed him from heading the National Social Security Fund, NSSF.

Byarugaba was removed from being the Managing Director of NSSF after his contract was not renewed by Minister Amongi, who subsequently replaced him with Patrick Ayota in 2023.

While delivering the judgement on Friday, April 19, 2024, Justice Musa Ssekaana ruled that Byarugaba’s third-term rejection was lawful according to the NSSF Act, under Minister Betty Amongi’s discretionary powers.

In August 2023, Byarugaba filed a petition against the Attorney General and Amongi, seeking court orders for Amongi to fulfill her statutory duties and complete his reappointment as the NSSF MD, as recommended by the Board and required by law.

Byarugaba’s argument was based on procedural irregularities and the decision leading the Minister to the Board’s recommendation for his reappointment. He said there was a violation of his legitimate expectations since he was not giving a fair hearing.

Byarugaba had served as the NSSF boss since August 1, 2010, and his second appointment, which began on November 29, 2017, expired on November 30, 2022.

NSSF currently has 2,000,000 members and assets worth SHS18 trillion. Based on this performance.