KAMPALA – At 65, David Turyatunguka, who spent years loading heavy crates for Coca-Cola, now finds himself in a painful standoff with Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which he accuses of denying him his hard-earned retirement savings despite a court-backed penalty against his former employer.
Turyatunguka worked diligently as a crate loader at Coca-Cola for approximately six years.
His physically demanding role came to an abrupt end in 2022 after he developed a severe back condition in 2021 that left him permanently disabled and unable to continue working.
Since leaving employment, the father has repeatedly tried to access his NSSF contributions, only to face what he describes as bureaucratic stonewalling and delays.
Frustrated by the Fund’s inaction, he lodged a formal complaint, leading to penalties being imposed on Coca-Cola.
The total amount now at stake stands at UGX 50 million, encompassing his contributions, employer contributions, and any accrued penalties or interest.“I worked hard loading those crates day in and day out. Now that I am old and my body has failed me, the same system that took my sweat is refusing to give me what is rightfully mine,” Turyatunguka told reporters. “I am disabled and have no other source of income. This money is my only hope.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the efficiency and responsiveness of the NSSF, especially in handling claims from vulnerable retirees and persons with disabilities.
Many Ugandan workers, particularly those in manual labour roles, have voiced similar frustrations over delays in accessing their savings despite meeting contribution requirements.
NSSF officials have not yet issued a detailed public statement on Turyatunguka’s specific case. However, sources close to the matter indicate that processing challenges, verification issues, and administrative bottlenecks continue to plague some claims, even when penalties have been levied against defaulting employers.
Advocates for workers’ rights have called on the NSSF to fast-track Turyatunguka’s payment, describing the situation as both legally and morally urgent. “This is not just about one man; it’s about the dignity of every Ugandan who has contributed to the Fund expecting security in their time of need,” said one labour activist who requested anonymity.
As Turyatunguka waits, his health deteriorates and financial pressures mount. With medical bills piling up and no steady income, the former crate loader says he has been forced to rely on the goodwill of relatives and well-wishers.
The NSSF has previously faced criticism and calls for reform regarding transparency, timely payouts, and customer service. Turyatunguka’s high-profile struggle could add fresh momentum to those demands.
Coca-Cola Uganda has also not commented publicly on the penalty or the ongoing dispute.For now, David Turyatunguka continues his fight, hoping that public attention will finally unlock the UGX 50 million that could provide him a dignified retirement after years of back-breaking work.
Turyatunguka worked diligently as a crate loader at Coca-Cola for approximately six years.
His physically demanding role came to an abrupt end in 2022 after he developed a severe back condition in 2021 that left him permanently disabled and unable to continue working.
Since leaving employment, the father has repeatedly tried to access his NSSF contributions, only to face what he describes as bureaucratic stonewalling and delays.
Frustrated by the Fund’s inaction, he lodged a formal complaint, leading to penalties being imposed on Coca-Cola.
The total amount now at stake stands at UGX 50 million, encompassing his contributions, employer contributions, and any accrued penalties or interest.“I worked hard loading those crates day in and day out. Now that I am old and my body has failed me, the same system that took my sweat is refusing to give me what is rightfully mine,” Turyatunguka told reporters. “I am disabled and have no other source of income. This money is my only hope.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the efficiency and responsiveness of the NSSF, especially in handling claims from vulnerable retirees and persons with disabilities.
Many Ugandan workers, particularly those in manual labour roles, have voiced similar frustrations over delays in accessing their savings despite meeting contribution requirements.
NSSF officials have not yet issued a detailed public statement on Turyatunguka’s specific case. However, sources close to the matter indicate that processing challenges, verification issues, and administrative bottlenecks continue to plague some claims, even when penalties have been levied against defaulting employers.
Advocates for workers’ rights have called on the NSSF to fast-track Turyatunguka’s payment, describing the situation as both legally and morally urgent. “This is not just about one man; it’s about the dignity of every Ugandan who has contributed to the Fund expecting security in their time of need,” said one labour activist who requested anonymity.
As Turyatunguka waits, his health deteriorates and financial pressures mount. With medical bills piling up and no steady income, the former crate loader says he has been forced to rely on the goodwill of relatives and well-wishers.
The NSSF has previously faced criticism and calls for reform regarding transparency, timely payouts, and customer service. Turyatunguka’s high-profile struggle could add fresh momentum to those demands.
Coca-Cola Uganda has also not commented publicly on the penalty or the ongoing dispute.For now, David Turyatunguka continues his fight, hoping that public attention will finally unlock the UGX 50 million that could provide him a dignified retirement after years of back-breaking work.
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