NSSF to appeal over Shs250m court award

Left to right: NSSF deputy managing director Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa with her lawyers Absolom Kato and Rashid Ssemambo at the High Court in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI.

Kampala.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) yesterday said the fund will appeal against an order to pay Shs200 million to its deputy managing director, Ms Geraldine Busuulwa Ssali.

Yesterday, the High Court ordered the Fund to pay Shs200 million to Ms Ssali for contempt of a court order halting her forced leave and Shs50 million as fine to court.

Justice Stephen Musota issued the order against NSSF, its board chairman Patrick Kaberenge and managing director Richard Byarugaba.

“I believe the compensation here is in terms of general damages. The award is within the discretion of court. In the circumstances, I will award the applicant general damages of Shs200 million. In addition, the respondent shall pay a fine of Shs50 million for contempt of court to be deposited in court,” Justice Musota held in the ruling read for him by the Assistant Registrar, Ms Beatrice Atingu.

But Mr Barnabas Tumusingize, one of the lawyers representing the NSSF, told court that they have been instructed to appeal against the order.

“Your worship, I have instructions to appeal against the ruling. In the circumstances, I pray for the record of proceedings to enable us pursue the appeal against the ruling,” said Mr Tumusingize soon after the ruling.

Ms Ssali sued NSSF and its top administrators for contempt of court following an order directing her reinstatement to office pending determination of the main case challenging the board’s decision to send her on forced leave.
Justice Musota had stopped the NSSF board from taking disciplinary action against the embattled deputy managing director.