National Social Security Fund (NSSF) received 450 entries in the ‘Friends With Benefits’ campaign that rolled out two months ago.
Entrants shared stories of how they used their NSSF benefits to change their lives. Different panels went through and cut them down to 30, then to the top 20 that made the TV Show which has been airing.
The finale was held on Thursday evening at Kampala where Harriet Balyama emerged winner, walking home with the Shs 30m top prize. Patrick Lukula was first runner-up, and won Shs 15m while Sylvia Enid Ntegeka took third position, winning Shs 10m.
Balyama fell ill while working at Engender Health Uganda. It was discovered that she had a brain tumour. She testified that her benefits were used for the lifesaving operation.
The balance was used to build rental units. Her story captivated the judges, Barbra Teddy Arimi (Head of Marketing & Communications, NSSF), Stevens Mwanje (Head of Sales and Operations, NSSF), Mabel Kiggundu (a human resource specialist) and Paul Busharizi (the contributing editor for Business and Politics at the New Vision).
The general public contributed the biggest to the vote through SMS and online platforms. Speaking after being announced winner, Balyama said God had given her life via her NSSF savings and the same God will fulfil her dreams of being a landlord.
“The success stories that have been showcased by members who used their benefits well have motivated existing and potential members to invest in retirement savings and this has been shown by the feedback we have received on our various engagement platforms with the public,” said Richard Byarugaba, the fund’s MD.
Gaetano Kaggwa hosted the event with Chrystal Newman, shining in a yellow sun outfit by Santa Anzo’s Arapapa. The night was crowned by a sumptuous dinner.
Andrew Ahura and the band provided entertainment for the night, playing the theme song that captivated TV viewers throughout the campaign.
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