TheVibe
Interview with
Barbra Teddy Arimi
Table of Contents
Pg. 2 CAREERS
Pg. 2 Exclusive interview with Barbra Teddy Arimi
Pg. 6 Two years of enhancing career growth
Pg. 8 Be yourself...
Pg. 10 Let’s push for technical education
Pg.
12 MONEY MATTERS
Pg. 12 Understanding stamp duty...
Pg. 14 Do you know how SPF computes interest?
Pg. 17 LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Pg. 17 Get a spouse...osirike!
Pg. 19 The water melon analogy
Pg.
20 VIBE SPORT
Pg. 20 Why the sports conversation becomes important
Pg. 22 What went wrong for the elephant?
Dear Colleagues,
Foreword
I send you warm greetings. As we reflect on the past quarter, I’m proud to acknowledge the remarkable strides we have made in supporting the growth and development of our people at the Fund in issue VII of the bulletin. One of the key highlights has been the celebration of two years of Pathfinder, our career development program that continues to transform lives and shape careers. Over the past two years, Pathfinder has hosted more than 20 distinguished guests, each sharing valuable, careerchanging stories with our staff. These interactions have offered perspectives that inspire growth, challenge conventional thinking, and open doors to new possibilities for everyone involved.
In line with our commitment to nurturing leadership within the organization, we’ve also made tremendous progress with the Pathfinder Catalyst Academy, an initiative dedicated to equipping our female staff with essential leadership skills to propel them to the next level in their careers. To date, more than 60 women have completed this program, and I am thrilled to announce that we have just launched our third cohort, which will see over 40 more ladies take part in this transformative journey. We are confident that the skills and experiences gained will empower them to take a step in leading with purpose. Additionally, we are fostering a deeper culture of continuous learning through the Book Club, which encourages a passion for reading and learning amongst our staff. This initiative
aligns with our broader aim to create a culture where continuous learning becomes second natural.
Beyond Pathfinder, our investment in the “Manager as a Coach” program has been pivotal in developing our leaders. This program is designed to ensure that managers are not just supervisors but effective leaders who bring out the best in their teams. By fostering a coaching mindset, we aim to enable managers to guide their teams with empathy, vision, and accountability, unlocking each person’s potential for excellence. As we look ahead, I encourage all staff members to embrace these opportunities for growth. As always, the Fund is committed to investing in your career development so that you are well positioned to serve our customers right. But as the organization provides these platforms, it’s also essential for each of you to take ownership of your journey. Be intentional about your career growth, seize these opportunities, and remember that your personal and professional development begins with you.
Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work, and I look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements that will unfold in the coming as we move along.
Warm regards,
Makubuya Abdul Kigozi Snr Manager Organizational Development
CAREERS
Exclusive interview with
Barbra Teddy Arimi on the opprtunities in the SmartLife Flexi Product
In this month’s edition of the staff bulletin, we are excited to feature an exclusive interview with Barbra Teddy Arimi, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, and a key member of the team behind NSSF’s Smartlife initiative. Smartlife, our flagship voluntary savilllngs plan, is designed to empower members to save funds for future needs. Whether it’s saving for education, retirement, or unforeseen expenses, Smartlife aims to provide financial security and peace of mind.
In this interview, Stephen shares insights into the plan’s objectives, its benefits, and how it is envisioned to make a difference in the lives of our members.
Q: Ms. Arimi, could you start by telling us what Smartlife Flexi is about? What inspired the development of this product?
A: Smart life Flexi is one of two products which comprise the Fund’s Voluntary flagship offering. It is a savings plan targeting both existing and new members who want to accumulate money to meet their mediumterm goals. It is called Flexi because of its flexible contributions and exit regimes unlike the mandatory contributions.
A member, is free to deposit money on their Smart Life Flexi account using any channel at their convenience, the channels include MTN Mobile Money, Airtel mobile money, cash deposits at Stanbic bank, select bank agents, e-commerce platform and flexi pay to save on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or at any interval that they choose.
They are also free to lock in a savings period, which ranges from one year onwards and can exit after this period or roll over their savings.
What inspired the development of this product?
The product was inspired by the need to address adequacy of member benefits, as you may know, on average our members are paid UGX24M when they qualify, it is no wonder that 98% of them consume this money within two years. More shocking to note is 98% of our members have no other savings apart from their NSSF savings.
Smart Life enables the Fund make savings a way of life, by breaking members medium term goals into realistic savings amounts that members can work towards. Members choose lock in periods ranging from one to fifteen years, with an option to roll over their savings after the expiry of the duration or even exit after one year, irrespective of the lock in period.
Smart life targets the medium to long term goals of our members in order to relieve the pressure on the standard contributions. For example, through Smart life, members can save for capital accumulation to start a business, asset acquisition, or achieve cash flow stability when out of employment or when faced with an income or expenditure shock.
Q: How does Smartlife Flexi align with NSSF’s overall mission of providing financial security to its members?
A: Given that out of the 11.3 million labour force only 3.6 million are employed in forms of employment that would qualify for mandatory coverage and that up to 2.3 million of these are already NSSF members; the Fund’s route to the targeted 15 million members has to rely heavily on the voluntary contributors in the informal sector. Smart Life and other products to be developed as variations of this master blueprint shall indeed be strong pillars for both new membership growth and new collection growth to correct the maturity characteristics currently depicted by the Fund’s captive mandatory market.
In relation to social security coverage, Smartlife helps the Fund to reach more Ugandans thereby expanding horizontal coverage and to mitigate more of their social security needs financed by their voluntary contributions thereby addressing vertical coverage gaps.
Q: How does Smartlife Flexi provide flexibility to its users? Please share some examples of how this flexibility works in actual practice.
A: According to the National Social Security Voluntary Contributions and Benefits Regulations, 2024, members only have a requirement to save continuously for at least one year after which they can access a benefit from their voluntary account. The flexibility is in the form of freedom is inbuilt in the following features.
• Saving period is goal driven, however minimum duration is 1 year, allowing members to choose to save for any period beyond 1 year. Members cannot withdraw before the end of 1 year from the time of enrolment while they can withdraw before the end of their set saving period.
• There is not cost or inconvenience on the part of members even if they chose to claim in violation of their saving goal.
• Member can sign up across all Fund touch points thereby giving members channel flexibility.
• Members are also free to open as many Smartlife accounts as they may need.
• Members can choose their own contribution frequency e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or monthly. Members may also vary their selected frequency without repercussion.
• Eligible members can make partial withdraws
• Members can set a saving goal of their choice and name their account accordingly.
Q: What are the primary benefits of the Smartlife Flexi product for individuals looking to save for their future? How id it different from other players like unit trusts in the market?
A: The principal difference between Smartlife Flexi and the competition is its focus on the medium to long-term saving goals. It is different from endowment plans because it doesn’t punish surrender or preterm withdraws and differs from Unit trusts because you cannot set saving periods less than 1 year and as such you cannot exit before the end of 1 year. This helps members create the desired habit of committed saving to help them realise their goals while allowing for enviable flexibility beyond the 1-year minimum accumulation period.
Further to this, unlike Unit Trusts, Smartlife Flexi allows members to start their savings journey with as low as Ugx 5,000 making it a mass market product as opposed to the elitist unit trusts which mostly start at Ugx 100,000 and endowment plans which mostly start at Ugx 50,000.
Q: Can you tell us more about how the competitive daily interest rate is calculated and paid out to Smartlife Flexi users?
A: In a first of its kind at the Fund, Smartlife Flexi offers daily returns to customers. This return is computed every day from the composite daily earning of the voluntary portfolio net of management fees and applicable taxes. The total daily return is then equitably distributed to all invested members for each day of the calendar month until its crediting/application to a member’s account at the end of the month.
Q: One of the highlights of Smartlife Flexi is the goal-based saving feature. Could you elaborate on how users can set and achieve their financial goals using this product?
A: Smartlife Flexi is built on the understanding that people do not simply save but do so with a clear goal in mind. Therefore, the product is designed to let members set saving goals and a period in which they hope to achieve the goals. The product logic and engagement schema are then tailored to hand hold and support the member to achieve their set goal affording them flexibilities to deposit more and chieve the goals faster, cooling off in case of difficulties to adhere to anticipated saving rates among others already elaborated.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum amount required to start saving with Smartlife Flexi, and how can users adjust their savings contributions over time?
A: There is a minimum amount of Ugx
5,000 that a member is required to raise per remittance of a contribution. However, the product has not maximum amount allowing members to save as much as they can for the attainment of their set goals.
Q: What happens if a user needs to access their funds before reaching their savings goal or defined period? Are there any penalties or restrictions?
A: Except the one-year minimum accumulation period during which a member cannot withdraw from their Smartlife Flexi account, members have the freedom to withdraw from their account at any time after that without sanction or penalty.
Q: What feedback have you received so far from early adopters of Smartlife Flexi, and how has it influenced any further development of the product?
Smartlife entered the pilot phase in October 2023 for selected staff and was opened to more staff and a few whitelisted external customers in May 2024. The feedback has generally been positive; we registered 260 members onto the demo product who opened 260 unique accounts. These members contributed a total of Ugx 22.9 million and initiated withdraws worth Ugx 1 million.
While a lot of the feedback was constructive and positive, some adverse feedback was received as well. Most of the feedback centred around occasional reconciliation challenges which were being resolved through fixes like automated API based reconciliation, bank account separation and automated liquidation.
Q: 10. Finally, what message would you like to share with our staff about the importance of adopting Smartlife Flexi for their financial planning and security?
A: I want to let all the staff see Smartlife Flexi as the best thing to have happened to the Fund since the broadening of its mandate in 2022. The product is indeed the main way we can make the Fund a household brand and one that can help us make saving a lifestyle. This product is the culmination of the wishes and feedback received from our members, staff and other stakeholders over so many years during which we were constrained by the law from affording our members the flexibility built into this Smartlife product.
I call upon all of us to be part of this redrawing of the social security coverage map of Uganda and Africa as a whole. We can do it, but only if we are together.
Two years of enhancing career growth
Remigious Kaggwa Engagement Specialist, People and Culture
In my culture, we have an adage that goes, “akwata empola atuuka wala,” which loosely means that he who takes a slow, deliberate approach goes a long way! That adage perfectly suits Pathfinder, our internal career development program. First piloted in the Commercial department among Customer Service Officers slightly over two years ago, this program was rolled out across the Fund in August 2022, with the sole purpose of empowering staff to reach their full career potential through learning from a host of guests who have walked similar journeys. As has always been the narrative, we work in interesting times where vertical growth is not necessarily straightforward, because, well, the position you are aiming for is not likely to become vacant anytime soon, for various reasons! Thus, Pathfinder provided a solution: one can look at different ways of growing their career without necessarily waiting for vertical growth. Acquiring new skills to enable one to get onto a “big project” is a good example.
Fast forward, we have seen this prestigious program evolve to give birth to the Catalyst Academy (an arm that focuses more on equipping Fund female staff with leadership skills) and the book club, whose mandate is to instil a reading culture in the Fund. And as John C. Maxwell told us, “Readers are leaders.” Two years later, in August 2024, Pathfinder celebrates its second anniversary - with over 20 talk shows held, two cohorts of the catalyst academy graduated, and the book club continuing to transform the reading culture at the Fund.
But what have been the success factors as we have traversed this transformative journey? In my opinion, recognizing that career growth is within our control has been key. The reason for this is simple: while the organization may create numerous avenues to drive career growth, the responsibility to take advantage of these opportunities lies with each individual. It’s about understanding that growth is no longer just about moving upward. Interestingly, many staff members have embraced these initiatives, and their transformation has been evident in various ways, from positively shifting mindsets to actively seeking out opportunities as they arise.
Secondly, the dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by the People and Culture team in driving this agenda have been pivotal. Identifying career challenges and taking proactive steps to address them has been at the forefront of this journey’s success. From designing the program to meticulously selecting guests who provide value to the audience, every aspect has been thoughtfully executed. Most importantly, the commitment demonstrated by the Fund, under the leadership of Mr. Patrick Ayota, the Managing Director, to support talent growth has been a strong foundation. For those who have had the opportunity to work in other organizations, it is clear that the Fund makes career growth seem more accessible than ever before. The Fund appears to have played its cards right in this area, regardless of how you look at it.
So, what’s next for the coming years?
Pathfinder still has a lot in store for those who feel they have missed out on the greater part of it. To begin with, many video recordings from previous sessions have been shared and can still help you catch up. Don’t allow yourself to be left behind. Let’s also not forget that the monthly talk shows continue to air, with a commitment to helping staff shape their careers by learning from some of the industry’s best experts.
Secondly, as we run cohort 3 of the Catalyst Academy, the final of the series, each alumna serves as a beacon of knowledge that anyone can look to for guidance on navigating a seemingly unstable career path. These ladies have rubbed shoulders with career bigwigs –let us make use of their sharpened skills more than ever before.
The book club is also thriving, encouraging us to read and maintain a learning atmosphere at all times. Currently, the members are finishing Atomic Habits by James Clear, a book that discusses small habits which, if cultivated, can create lasting impacts in one’s life – highly relevant to career growth. In the same vein, the book club is now expanding across the Fund, and registrations are ongoing! Register now and be a part of it.
I would like to thank each one of you who has been a part of this fascinating twoyear journey of transforming careers. Your unwavering support for Pathfinder and commitment to your own growth have been central to its success. Let’s continue paving the way for career success together.
“Be yourself, Everyone else is taken
Olivia Newbold Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial
Beyourself.Everyoneelseisalready taken.
- Oscar Wilder-
Twelve years ago, I married a man who embodies near perfection. His character, grace, and eloquence are truly regal. His words are deliberate and few, his thoughts are deep, and his kindness is boundless. During the first year of our marriage, I felt compelled to transform myself to fit into his world. I must admit, trying to emulate him was the most challenging period of my life. I felt trapped, constantly self-conscious, and suffocated. Then, one day, he reminded me that he loved me for who I was, not for who I was trying to become. That was the turning point that set me free.
As I reached the milestone of turning 40 this year, I took time to reflect on the essence of authenticity and the freedom it brings. Being authentic means taking responsibility for your actions, words, and thoughts, and ensuring they align with your true beliefs and needs. It’s about embracing the person you were created to be—nothing more, nothing less.
In today’s fast-paced world, dominated by social media and AI, we are at risk of losing ourselves to fleeting trends and external pressures. We often find ourselves on a quest to become someone we are not. This constant pressure can lead us to yearn for
something the world cannot provide, leaving us and those around us frustrated when we expect them to be something they are not.
The greatest gift of authenticity is the ability to face life with confidence, openness, and honesty. It allows us to live worry-free, secure in our true selves, even if we differ from
those around us. Unhealthy competition, envy, jealousy, and a desire for validation often hinder our ability to live authentically. True self-esteem and boldness can help overcome these obstacles. It starts with self-awareness—understanding the unique purpose God has for you and living in accordance with that purpose. Recognizing that God loves and appreciates you unconditionally helps you extend love, grace and kindness to others without expecting anything in return.
John Maxwell wisely notes that the quest for external validation often signals an unresolved inner issue. God could have easily created a single model of humanity and simply duplicated it, but instead, He bestowed upon
each of us unique features, personalities, gifts, and purposes. Competing with others only robs us of joy. Celebrate your uniqueness and live without regrets.
Jesus came to set us free, and part of that freedom is embracing who we are without comparison or competition. We’ve been given one life, and the best gift you can give yourself is to set your own standard and live by it, no matter what challenges arise.
There is enough space for everyone to thrive and breathe in our uniqueness. So be yourself—everyone else is already taken.
https://ovivianah.medium.com/
Let us push for technical education and tailored upskilling
Christine Nakayiza Olowo Strategy Services Supervisor, Strategy
Uganda’s growing number of university graduates is far surpassing the ability of both the public and private sectors to absorb them, making unemployment a persistent challenge. In light of this, entrepreneurship is emerging as a critical solution to address the job gap. To support this shift, our education system needs to pivot from merely producing graduates with degrees to cultivating technical skills that align with students’ passions, strengths, and interests. By doing so, we can better prepare the next generation for entrepreneurial success and diverse career opportunities.
In many Western nations, success is not solely tied to academic degrees. After high school, students often enter specialized colleges that equip them with hands-on experience in fields such as technology, trades, and the arts. Advanced degrees are pursued only by those who wish to further specialize or deepen their expertise. This approach encourages practical learning and skill development that directly translates into real-world opportunities.
Parents in these countries also play a crucial role by nurturing their children’s talents from an early age. It’s common for young people with particular aptitudes, whether in sports, arts, or technology, to receive focused training or internships that sharpen their skills. Take, for example, Mark Zuckerberg, who as a child observed communication inefficiencies in his father’s dental clinic and developed an app to streamline operations. He
went on to create Facebook, revolutionizing global communication, all without the need for formal education in his field. Other tech icons like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates also built world-changing companies before obtaining honorary degrees in recognition of their contributions.
The lesson here is that success doesn’t always require formal qualifications—it often stems from a combination of early talent identification, passion, and practical expertise. In Uganda, we must adopt a similar approach, focusing on technical education that aligns with personal interests. By empowering young people to discover their talents early and equipping them with the right tools, we can unlock their potential to make meaningful contributions to both the economy and society.
My Story: A Personal Journey of PurposeDriven Upskilling
I am an economic statistician by profession, but my true passion lies in supporting women to achieve financial independence and helping children realize their dreams through education. This passion, likely shaped by my background, has guided my career choices. I recognized early on that to make a meaningful impact, I needed a strong financial foundation. This led me to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification, which covers essential areas like finance, strategy, and investment—three pillars of my professional path.
Before committing to a master’s degree, I wanted to immerse myself in real-world strategy. Many of the skills taught in advanced degree programs, such as leadership, research, and team management, can be gained through work experience. This has allowed me to develop a more nuanced understanding of my field without rushing into a formal academic program. Once I complete my CFA, I plan to pursue a master’s degree with a clear vision of how it will enhance my career.
My journey is far from perfect, but it’s grounded in a clear sense of purpose. I understand where I can make the most impact and which areas may not suit my strengths. This strategic approach not only informs my current career choices but also shapes my long-term plans, including how I envision my post-career contributions. Outside employment/ deployment, especially in competitive industries, doesn’t allow much room for failure—so it’s crucial to operate in a field where you are both skilled and passionate.
A Tailored Approach for Organizational Success
This tailored approach is also relevant for professionals in large organizations like the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). As a strategy services supervisor, for instance, rather than rushing into an MBA, it makes more sense to first acquire specialized skills in strategic planning, corporate finance, performance management, and stakeholder engagement. While an MBA can certainly boost career prospects, developing these targeted skills ensures a deeper expertise in my current role and positions me for longterm success.
Organizations like the NSSF should focus on helping employees identify their passions and strengths, aligning their roles not only with their skill sets but also with their intrinsic motivations. When individuals are deployed in positions that resonate with their personal interests, they are more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. This approach not
only boosts organizational performance but also addresses the broader challenge of disengaged staff and a lack of meaningful work.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Technical Education and Passion
As Uganda faces a challenging job market, it’s clear that we need a new approach to education and career development. By prioritizing technical education and encouraging students to pursue paths aligned with their passions and strengths, we can create a workforce that is not only more skilled but also more engaged and entrepreneurial. This shift will equip individuals with the tools they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the economy, while also fostering personal fulfillment and long-term career satisfaction.
Let’s push for an education system that values practical skills, personal interests, and tailored upskilling- paving the way for a brighter future for Uganda’s youth.
MONEY MATTERS
Understanding Stamp Duty in Uganda
Oscar Twinomugisha Financial Accountant Finance
Stamp duty is a tax levied on legal documents and transactions in Uganda. It gained prominence in 2014 with the enactment of the Stamps Act, which modernized and updated Uganda’s stamp duty laws to reflect the evolving economic landscape and enhance revenue collection. The payment of stamp duty is crucial for ensuring the legal enforceability of documents.
1. Stamp Duty on Agreements
Stamp duty applies to various written agreements, such as contracts for the sale of goods, lease agreements, rent agreements, service contracts, and partnership deeds. The
applicable rates differ based on the nature of the document. Importantly, if stamp duty is not paid, the agreement is deemed legally invalid and cannot be used as evidence in court. Common examples include real estate contracts, service agreements, and business partnerships.
2. Stamp Duty on Land Transactions
Stamp duty is particularly significant in landrelated transactions, including the sale or transfer of land ownership. Typically, the tax is set at 1.5% of the property’s value, calculated based on the total land value. Mortgages secured by land also attract a 0.5% duty
on the loan amount. Failure to pay stamp duty on such transactions can lead to legal complications, especially in cases of property disputes. For instance, compensation might be limited to the value on which stamp duty was paid.
3. Exemptions and Concessions
Certain transactions enjoy exemptions or reduced rates of stamp duty, particularly those involving agricultural land or governmentsponsored projects. These concessions are aimed at promoting development and supporting specific sectors in Uganda.
4. Penalties and Consequences of NonCompliance
Documents that are not stamped are legally invalid, meaning they cannot be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Moreover, failure to pay stamp duty can result in fines, penalties, and accrued interest, increasing the cost of transactions. Additionally, unstamped land documents may not be registered, complicating ownership claims and leaving property rights vulnerable to challenge.
5. Stamp Duty Payment Process and Compliance
Stamp duty is paid through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), either via authorized banks or electronically. Upon completion of the payment, the relevant document is stamped, indicating that the duty has been paid and rendering it legally valid. Key documents like land titles or lease agreements must be stamped before finalization to ensure their legal enforceability.
Conclusion
Paying stamp duty is essential to secure the legal validity of agreements and land transactions in Uganda. Complying with the law protects individuals and businesses by securing property ownership and ensuring enforceable agreements. Failure to pay stamp duty can lead to significant legal and financial issues, making it crucial to understand and adhere to these requirements to avoid future complications.
Do you know how your SPF interest is computed?
David Amanyire Rewards and Benefits Specialist People and Culture
Interest calculations can sometimes be complex, especially when they are determined at the end of the year based on performance. Here’s a simplified explanation using the figures provided:
At the end of the year, the Board of Trustees evaluate the audited performance and determines the annual interest rate. This rate is typically given as a percentage which is converted into a monthly interest rate using the following formula:
Let us say the annual interest rate declared is 10.75%
Monthly Interest Rate= (1+ Annual Interest Rate) (1/12) =(1+ 10.75%) 1/12 ≈ 1.008545071
We then compute the Interest Factor for each month.
Interest Factor = (Monthly Interest Rate)n
where n is how long the money was invested in months.
For example, with our financial year running from July to June,
• Interest Factor for Opening Balance ≈(1.008545071)12 ≈ 1.107500000
• Interest Factor for July Contribution
≈(1.008545071)11 ≈ 1.098116516
• Interest Factor for June Contribution
≈(1.008545071)0 ≈ 1.000000000
We then multiply each factor with the amount, giving us amount with interest and interest respectively. Assuming the opening balance at the beginning of financial year is 10,000,000 and the monthly contributions are 300,000.
The total amount of interest received would be 1,249,105.55 and the closing balance of the financial year would be 14,849,105.55
By following these steps, you can now understand how the final total interest is calculated based on year-end performance. This method ensures that each contribution and the interest it earns are accurately accounted for, reflecting the true growth of your balance over the year.
Please use the link below to access the selfhelp tool for interest calculation:
https://tinyurl.com/2z2x6ekd
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Get a Spouse, Osirike!
Sharon Kiconco Mugagga Data Quality Specialist Technology and Enterprise Solutions
Lately, it feels like most people are dragging their feet when it comes to getting married. As someone who’s all about traditional values, this is baffling. Remember when parents used to arrange marriages like they were picking contestants for a reality show? They’d check out the neighbour’s daughter, and if she ticked the right boxes, it was a done deal—no need for grand romantic gestures, just good old-fashioned matchmaking.
Back in the day, in my former culture, if a young man fancied a girl, he and his ‘boys’ would plan like they were about to rob a bank. The
plan? Catch her while she was fetching water or working in the garden, jointly lifted her and whisked her off to his place. After that, she was stuck, and everyone moved on- the rest of the ceremonies like bride price would take place after finding out that she had never secretly visited another suitor. If a guy in his 20s was anxious about settling down, he might as well have been banned from the village!
Now, it seems like people are waiting for some epic Hollywood romance. Maybe they’re holding out for a dashing hero on a white
horse with dreamy eyes or a proposal from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Who knows? Have we failed as parents or siblings? Is arranged marriage just a thing of the past? Should we add ‘find a partner’ to the HR wellness list? Maybe a corporate singles day could save the day—office speed dating with a side of paperwork! Or am I the only one scratching my head over this?
Honestly, things like looks and money might not matter as much as the companionship that comes with a happy marriage. Someone might not look like a movie star, but they can cook like a chef, charm your parents, or be a go-getter. Why not give marriage a shot? Let’s honor our parents’ tradition and marry young. Amen to that?
The Watermelon Analogy:
Nurturing Dreams, Protecting Selves, and Sharing Life
Davis Birungi
Data Quality Specialist
Technology and Enterprise Solutions
The watermelon, with its vibrant green rind and juicy red flesh, isn’t just delicious; it is a symbol of life itself. Each part of the watermelon offers a metaphor for our human journey, teaching us about growth, protection, and connection.
Seeds of Potential
The seeds within a watermelon represent the beginnings we all experience in life—our dreams, aspirations and goals. Just as a seed needs water, sunlight, and soil to grow, our goals require effort and nurturing to flourish. They need our effort, time, and dedication to blossom into something beautiful and fulfilling
The Protective Rind
The thick, green rind shields the sweet flesh inside, much like the protective barriers we build around ourselves - our defences, boundaries, and coping mechanisms that shield us from the harshness of the world. However, just as the rind is not the most valuable part of the fruit, our outer defences do not define our true essence. Beneath the surface, there is sweetness, depth, and richness that is worth
The Sweet Flesh
The juicy, red flesh symbolizes the core of life, full of flavour, hydration, and nourishment— rich with experiences, emotions, and connections that nourish our souls. Life’s
sweetness, like the watermelon’s flesh, is meant to be savoured, reminding us to hydrate not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Sharing the Slice
Watermelon is often shared, sliced and distributed among friends and family, just as life’s best moments are. Life’s sweetness is magnified when it is shared with others. Whether it’s sharing our time, resources, or love. In this sense, sharing a slice becomes a symbol of community and connection. It reminds us that the best experiences in life are those we share with others, and that together, we create a tapestry of moments that are richer and more fulfilling than those we experience alone.
Watermelon in all its simplicity, offers simple yet profound insights into life. It encourages us to nurture our dreams, protect our true selves, savour life’s richness, and share our experiences with others. In doing so, we create a life that is sweet, meaningful, and fulfilling.
So the next time you bite into a juicy slice of watermelon, take a moment to appreciate the deeper meaning it holds—a reminder that life, like this refreshing fruit, is best enjoyed with others, with an open heart, and with gratitude for the sweetness it brings.
VIBE SPORT
Leveraging the power of sports to send a message
Edgar Mwebaze IT Officer Technology and Enterprise Solutions
In a world increasingly shaped by media and global connectivity, sports have become much more than just a form of entertainment. They have evolved into powerful platforms for social change, cultural communication, and advocacy. Athletes and sports organizations possess a unique influence over diverse populations, transcending borders, cultures, and demographics. By harnessing this influence, organizations, governments, and activists can effectively spread powerful messages that resonate globally. Sports have the unparalleled ability to unite people, regardless of race, nationality, or socioeconomic background. Major sporting events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the Super Bowl draw billions of viewers
worldwide, making them ideal avenues for promoting messages of unity, equality, and justice. This reach isn’t confined to just a few sports—football (soccer), basketball, cricket, tennis, and even lesser-known sports like rugby or athletics bring communities together across continents.
This year’s controversial Olympic opening and closing ceremonies serve as a great example of how sports can be used as a platform for advocacy and visibility to influence cultural and social norms, such as promoting the LGBT agenda, which agitated several Christian and Muslim religious groups. The same event was used by Christian and Muslim athletes to promote their respective religions through
victory speeches and celebration gestures.
Corporations and sponsors heavily invested in sports have also recognized the power of leveraging sports to spread messages. Large companies like Nike, Adidas, and Puma often partner with athletes and sports leagues to promote causes aligned with their values. Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick is a prime example of how companies can use sports to spread messages that resonate with social issues. Locally, Moses Golola’s personality and brand have been used by Riham to endorse its energy drink Rock Boom.
In June 2021, during a press conference, Cristiano Ronaldo removed a Coca-Cola bottle from the podium and replaced it with a water bottle. This simple gesture coincided with a $4 billion drop in the company’s market value.
NSSF has also used sports to spread its message through various avenues. At the recently concluded KAVC tournament, the KAVC volleyball team was smartly dressed in the NSSFGO app logo, which greatly promoted the NSSF product. The NSSF RUN promotes messages of the fund’s corporate social responsibility in renovating public schools. The Nakawa soccer tournament emphasized that NSSF associates with every worker, whether a pineapple vendor or a cassava vendor, promoting financial literacy. Internally, the NSSF Sports Day promotes NSSF values through sports and fun activities.
Results from some of the games
Soccer(CorporateSportsNetwork)
NSSF 0-0 Tropical Bank
Graphic Systems 3-2 NSSF
Crown Beverages 5-2 NSSF
Nakawa Tournament Friendlies
NSSF 1-0 Nakawa Market Vendors Nanansi FC 2-1 Kasoli Night Warriors
KAVC
APR 2-3 REG
Thank God the Sporting Season is Back
Donald Nyanza Asiimwe Relationship Manager, Commercial
The most annoying time for any sports lover like myself is between May and July every year. All our sporting icons go off to Ibiza, Monaco, Lisbon, Dubai, and other fancy holiday destinations. Whoever tells them to have a life outside sport clearly does not care about ours. Football lovers start paying more attention to Fabrizio Romano (if that man says you are dead, check your pulse—chances are, you’re dead).
2024 was, however, a little better because of the Euros and the Olympics. The NBA season was over, and we had to watch LeBron and co. obliterate smaller teams. South Sudan gave us some hope, but what can you do when Kevin Durant and Steph Curry come off the bench to shoot the life out of us? Formula One lights were dark. Tennis gave us a bit of action. We even had a rumored transgender man almost literally murdering a female boxer, something the woke community may still support despite how ridiculous it is. And the best moment was surely the 10,000M gold from our own Joshua Cheptegei—at least for those of us who still love Uganda.
In all this, the real sports lovers handed over their remotes to the children and the uninterested members of the household, which mostly include the wives. Painfully. August began with the return of the English Premier League. Excitement surrounded new players and coaches. Of course, the Arsenal fans believe this is their year, and Manchester City, being Manchester City, will surely win however they choose to. With the 115 charges
looming, Manchester City have their luck to ride on. Chelsea… what can I say? More players than points, and yet more will come in. Manchester United still believes the FA Cup was enough to give the coach a second go, with a lot of optimism. Whether it is justified or not will depend on ambition.
While social media was awash with pressure for our loved ones to buy us new season kits, and while some were on their way, we ran into an International Break. For lovers of club football like me, the International Break is like an unnecessary thought you get during prayer—mostly a sinful one, by the way.
October can’t get here soon enough for us lovers of the NBA, but in the meantime, tennis and Formula One are good company.
Fantasy Football at the Fund
Last season, together with a few football fans, we created a free-to-play fantasy football league called the Fund FPL. This has continued into this season, and we encourage anyone who may want to join to come along and play. It is an online game, and it is very different from betting. I would not encourage anyone to gamble. I think there may actually be a rule against it in the HR handbook, and if not, it should be there. To learn how it works, follow the link: https://www.premierleague. com/news/2173986
Good luck to all of us in both our fantasy and real league games. I’m only wishing this
professionally, but the Manchester United fan in me hopes Arsenal and Liverpool don’t see half the luck they need.
