KIU, MAIN CAMPUS - The Directorate of Human Resource in collaboration with office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Finance and Administration on Saturday, 26th April, 2025 organised a staff training on Retirement Planning, Mental Health and Financial Literacy at Kampala International University (KIU) Main Campus, IBM Library (5th floor).

The training, attended by senior university leaders including the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Deans, Principals, Directors, Deputy Directors, and Heads of Departments and Units, focused on key topics such as retirement planning strategies, achieving work-life balance, mental health strategies, and promoting healthy well-being in the workplace, as well as making informed financial decisions.

Launching the training, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma emphasized the importance of prioritizing well-being, planning for retirement and financial security in today's fast-paced academic environment.

“Investing in your retirement plan and making wise financial decisions early on lays the foundation for a secure old age, while also recognizing that financial stability is linked to mental well-being. Your youthful years lay the foundation for a secure old age," he said.In a session on financial literacy, Dr. Mujabi Shafiq a Lecturer at Makerere University Business School and personal and behavioural finance counsellor recommended adopting an 'old money' mindset, prioritizing strategic investments and disciplined spending habits, to achieve financial stability.

"Bad financial decisions can have lasting consequences. Financial literacy empowers informed choices – from saving and investing, to housing and borrowing. Yet, greed and fear often derail financial wellness, underscoring the need for smart decision-making," he added.

In a thought-provoking session on mental health, Dr. Faith Nakalema and Assoc. Prof. Enoch Oladunmoye shared expert insights on achieving work-life balance, effective mental health strategies, and promoting overall well-being in the workplace.

Dr. Nakalema, a mental health expert and lecturer at KIU, emphasizes the importance of kindness and empathy, noting that people often mask their struggles, and it's only through deeper conversations that true challenges are revealed.

“No one has 100% normalcy. Mental health exists on a spectrum, with each individual experiencing varying degrees of challenge. Striking a balance is essential, as good mental health enables us to better navigate life's obstacles and nurture stronger and more meaningful relationships with those around us,” she said.

Assoc. Prof. Oladunmoye, lecturer and researcher in the Department of Applied Psychology at KIU also emphasized mental well being at the work place. He noted that according to the World Health Organisation, 2020, research, emphasizes that mental well-being at work is heavily influenced by job content, workload and organisational culture.

“Work can be a significant contributor to stress and poor mental health. To mitigate this, employers are cautioned to foster favourable work conditions, prioritizing employee well-being and mental health," he added.  

Prof. Rev. Father Samuel Luboga, a Medical Doctor by profession, Surgeon, Associate Professor of Anatomy, and Chairperson of the Education Service Commission (ESC) in Uganda also shared with the staff on retirement planning, explaining why they should prepare for retirement, develop appropriate values, shed off failure habits and keep physically healthy and fit.

"Retirement is supposed to be the best time of your life, an achievement after many years of hard work. Gift yourself with a retirement package, because these years are characterised by diminishing returns - less income, fewer friends, slower and weaker body - leading to increased expenditure on health services," said Prof. Rev. Father Luboga.

"Don't sit pretty and feel like you have made it. Work on your retirement plan, adopt winning skills, and enterprise your talent. Having so much time on your hands with nothing to do can be frustrating, and many dread the day they retire due to worry and panic," he added.

Closing the training, Prof. Regina Ejemot Nwadiaro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, Consultancy, and Extension (RICE) applauded the trainers, staff and KIU management for making the insightful training a success.

“They say knowledge is power and knowledge gained can not be stolen. On this note, all thanks to the trainers for the thought provoking and relatable discussions,” she said.

Present at the training also was Dr. Mundu Mustafa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Christine Ainebyoona, Deputy University Secretary and Campus Administrator of the Main Campus.

The successful staff training on Retirement Planning, Mental Health, and Financial Literacy at KIU underscored the institution's commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of its staff. Through expert insights and thought-provoking discussions, participants gained valuable knowledge on planning for retirement, achieving work-life balance, and making informed financial decisions.