By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The High Court of Uganda has dismissed the Judicial Review application lodged by the former Managing Director of NSSF, Richard Byarugaba through which he had challenged the decision of the Minister not to re-appoint him as the funds Managing Director also challenged the appointment of the current M.D, Patrick Ayota.
Justice Ssekaana Musa in the ruling dated 19th April, 2024 dismissed all his prayers and upheld the decisions of the Minister and the NSSF Board to appoint Ayota as MD.
“The decision to challenge the appointment of the 3rd respondent (Ayota) by the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development based on the new recommendation of the Board cannot successfully be challenged without the Board being a party to these proceedings,” ruled Sekana.
Justice Sekana also ruled that the decision of the Minister to reject the applicant’s name for the appointment as the Managing Director of National Social Security Fund was within the law and no irrationality had been shown in the decision making process.
“The recommendation by the Board of NSSF to the Minister does not become a directive or an order to the Minister who is vested with the powers to appoint the applicant,” Justice Sekana says.
Byaruga had sued the Attorney General, Minister Betty Amongi and the current NSSF MD, Patrick Ayota.
This decision has been met with support from various stakeholders, including the current Managing Director, highlighting the importance of adherence to the NSSF Act in managing the fund and ensuring the best interests of its savers.
The application was dismissed with no order as to costs.
