January 2025 Unit Trusts in Uganda Update – Sanlam Income Fund Performance and Strategy
As markets settled into the new year, the Sanlam Income Fund began 2025 with a 13.19% annualized return in January, outpacing inflation and the Treasury bill benchmark. For income-seeking Ugandans, this fund continues to offer capital safety, reliable returns, and convenient monthly income.
Fund Overview
The Sanlam Income Fund is a low-risk unit trust designed for conservative investors who want to preserve capital and receive monthly income. It invests in government and corporate debt instruments to earn attractive yields with minimal volatility.
Key highlights for January 2025:
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Annualized Return: 13.19%
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Minimum Investment: UGX 100,000
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Fund Size (AUM): UGX 22.6 billion
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Risk Profile: Conservative
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Income Distribution: Monthly
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Liquidity: T+2 (2 working days)
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Benchmark: 91-day Treasury Bill
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Management Fee: 2%
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Fund Manager: Sanlam Investments East Africa
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Launch Date: May 2009
Performance Overview
| Period | Return (%) | Benchmark (%) |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 (Annualized) | 13.19 | 11.63 |
The fund once again outperformed the benchmark, providing a better yield than traditional savings or fixed deposit options in Uganda.
Where the Fund Invests
To keep risks low while delivering consistent returns, the fund focuses on:
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Government securities (Treasury bills and bonds)
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Bank fixed deposits
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Corporate debt and commercial paper
In January, the fund tilted toward short-term instruments to lock in attractive rates and maintain liquidity.
January 2025 Market Commentary
Inflation
Annual inflation in Uganda held steady at 3.5%, led by easing food and transport prices. The outlook remained positive for fixed-income investors.
Currency
The Ugandan shilling strengthened slightly due to lower import demand and steady remittance inflows.
Interest Rates
The 91-day Treasury bill yield was 11.63%, slightly down from December. The fund continued to capitalize on rates above this benchmark through strategic portfolio positioning.
Fund Strategy
The Sanlam Income Fund maintained a conservative position with a bias toward short-duration government debt and low-risk deposits, ensuring monthly income without taking on unnecessary risk.
Why This Fund Works for Ugandan Investors
This fund is ideal for:
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Salaried professionals and business owners looking for steady income
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Pensioners and retirees seeking low-risk options
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SACCOs, NGOs, and institutions focused on preserving capital
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New investors who want a simple, safe way to grow their money
Key benefits:
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Earn monthly income
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Enjoy quick access to funds (T+2)
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Start with just UGX 100,000
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Get professional fund management
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Avoid complex financial products and stock market volatility
How to Invest in the Sanlam Income Fund via Level Africa
Getting started takes just a few minutes:
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Create an account at Level Africa
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Upload your National ID or Passport
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Open the Unit Trusts section
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Select Sanlam Income Fund
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Deposit funds via mobile money, card, or bank transfer
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Place your order
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Monitor your income and portfolio from your dashboard
Final Thoughts
The 13.19% return in January 2025 reinforces the Sanlam Income Fund’s value as a go-to unit trust for Ugandans prioritizing income, capital safety, and easy access to funds. It’s one of the smartest ways to build consistent wealth without the ups and downs of high-risk investments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanlam Income Fund?
It’s a conservative Ugandan unit trust that invests in government and corporate fixed-income securities to deliver monthly income while preserving capital.
What was the return in January 2025?
The fund posted a 13.19% annualized return, outperforming the 91-day Treasury Bill benchmark.
Who is this fund best suited for?
Any Ugandan seeking steady income and low-risk growth — including retirees, SACCOs, professionals, and first-time investors.
How fast can I access my money?
The fund offers T+2 liquidity, so you can access your investment within two working days.
Is the Sanlam Income Fund regulated?
Yes. It is managed by Sanlam Investments East Africa and licensed by the Capital Markets Authority of Uganda.