The National Social Security Fund (NSSF)on Monday recognized and awarded individuals with the best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects during the NSSF Torch Awards 2015 which is one of the Fund’s flagship CSR initiatives. Launched in 2012 the Award recognises and supports projects that have made a positive contribution to communities in Education, Health, Youth and other Disadvantaged Groups as defined in the Fund’s CSR Policy.First lady Janet Museveni hands over a dummy cheque worth Shs20m to Esther Kalenzi of 40days 40smiles and her team as the national winner of the torch awards, as NSSF MD Richard Byarugaba and NSSF Deputy While presiding over the award dinner, Uganda’s First Lady and MP for Ruhama County and Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni applauded NSSF for the initiative. “We appreciate the NSSF Torch Awards initiative because it complements Government’s efforts in creating wealth for all and transforming society. [adrotate banner=”3″] Janet Museveni noted that CSR activities enhances a company’s reputation and also ensures that businesses meet their corporate objectives. “If more Ugandans improve their income levels, it also means more business for your companies. I believe that’s why NSSF is leading the way with Torch Awards,” she added.40days and 40smiles won the overall award NSSF Managing Director Richard Patrick Byarugaba said ‘The NSSF Torch Awards is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that was introduced by the Fund in 2012 to recognize individuals and institutions who are transforming communities’. He noted that the Fund’s CSR Strategy stems from its sustainable approach to doing business which involves being exemplary in its financial performance while at the same time setting high corporate social responsibility targets. Mr, Byarugaba said a sum of Shs80m was set aside to be given away to individual and institutions that have life changing projects in education, health, the youth and other disadvantaged groups. “Each winner from all regions of Uganda will receive Shs15m as prize for their outstanding projects. The national winner will receive Shs20m”, he said.First Lady Janet Museveni hands over an award to one of the winners The winners for 2015, included Kyamaleera Women Handicraft Association from Hoima; 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (40-40) from Luwero; Rachele Comprehensive, Pearl Foundation for Children and Widows (PFCW) from Butaleja, Child Care & Rescue Programme (CC&RP) from Gomba. 5 projects benefited and have been implemented by the winners of the last edition of the Torch Awards 2013. They include Youth and Women Empowerment Foundation (Kabarole), Mbale Maternity Home, Kisozi orphan support center – Gomba, and Children of Uganda- Mukono.