Recent Events

MALAWI’S UNITED CIVIL SERVANTS’ SACCO BENCHMARKS WITH WAZALENDO SACCO 11 April 2025 In firming up the spirit of cooperation among cooperatives, Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) hosted a delegation from Malawi’s United Civil Servants’ SACCO (UCSSACCO) for a benchmarking visit. The Malawian team that comprised of the SACCO’s top management led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Waliwa Francis was received by the Director Finance and Administration Wazalendo SACCO, Colone Benon Kato at WSACCO’s headquarters – Kiwatule. Speaking on behalf of WSACCO’s CEO, Brigadier General Joseph Freddy Onata, the Director of Finance Administration Col Kato, emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual learning in strengthening the SACCO movement Readmore

17 March 2025 Wazalendo SACCO, has held its 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Gadaffi Barracks in Jinja. The meeting brought together delegates, leaders and stakeholders to review the society’s progress over the past year. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, emphasised the significance of the meeting. “we are here to account to the members about how we have managed their money.  WSACCO stands on three key pillars namely members, the board, and the management. When  each  of those organs plays its role, the SACCO grows”, Kavuma stressed. Lt Gen Kavuma highlighted the SACCO’s steady growth over the years with its membership from just 30 founding members to over 111,000 today. He revealed that in the last financial year alone, the SACCO disbursed loans Readmore

Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has  given  Mama kits worth 6,000,000 (Six Million Shillings) to mothers in the Kyankwanzi district. The  support was made  on 7th March 2025 ahead of the International Women’s Day celebration held in Kyankwanzi district on  8th  March 2025. While handing over the donation  on behalf of the  Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata, the Head of Finance  Lt Col Julius Katanaka  said that the support  is part of WSACCO’s Community engagement strategy that is catered for under the Corporate Social Responsibility function. He added that giving back  to the community through UPDF is intended to strengthen the strategic partnership  between  Wazalendo, UPDF, and the community. The  Uganda Readmore

23rd February 2025 Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) delegates hailing  from Central Region have  commenced a two-day retreat (Pre)- Annual General Meeting held at the Chieftency of Defence  and Intelligence  Security Headquarter (CDIS) – Mbuya. According to the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors WSACCO Col Allan Kitanda who represented the SACCO Chairman Lt Gen Sam Kavuma during the opening of the retreat noted that regional Pre Annual General Meetings   have been held in preparation of the 19th AGM slated for 17th March 2025 at Jinja Barracks. ” Because of our big numbers ( membership) we use a delegates system where delegates converge in respective regions and through such meetings we are able to syncronize together and also get reasonable Readmore

On 13th February 2025 Wazalendo Investments (SMC)Limited – WIL, a subsidiary of Wazalendo SACCO, has launched its third estate located in Namayiba in Mukono district. During the same occasion, road  construction equipment  was also commissioned. While officiating at the commissioning of the estate  that comprises of 54 Arcre  land and a road unit , the CEO Wazalendo SACCO Brig Gen Joseph Freddy  Onata who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Joint Staff- CJS Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba applauded the UPDF leadership for coming up with the idea of  forming a SACCO, nurturing it and nominating good leaders who are focused on the welfare of the members. Brig Onata attributed the success of Wazalendo SACCO to the enabling environment by the government of Uganda and continued support and guidance Readmore

Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society has joined UPDF for the army week activities that are taking place in the greater Masaka region ahead of the 44th  Uganda People’s Defence Forces  birthday celebration on the 6th of February 2025 in Kyotera District. In his opening remarks, Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata said that training and sharing knowledge and experiences with selected SACCOs in the the region is one way of giving back to the community and fostering growth of the SACCO sector.  The flag off of the training  was held on 31st January 2025 at PEWOSA SACCO Kabula Lyantonde District ” The purpose of the training is to share best practices of SACCO management  with other  SACCO leaders in order to  build their confidence so that they are able to mobilize their Readmore

23 January 2025 Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to sharing knowledge on best management practices with newly established SACCOs for  their growth and sustainability. This commitment was made by WSACCO Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata during a presentation to leaders of Hoima Media SACCO, who visited WSACCO headquarters in Kiwatule, Kampala, for a benchmarking session. Brig Gen Onata encouraged the leaders of newly established SACCOs to seek knowledge about the SACCO business model and best practices for establishing and successfully managing cooperatives. He outlined key success factors that have contributed to Wazalendo’s growth, which include strong and clear governance structure, transparency, Readmore

23 November 2024 The Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen Henry Masiko, has underscored the critical role  that political education plays in maintaining the work spirit of the UPDF. He explained that ideology serves as the backbone of the army and is crucial in ensuring that the personnel understand the purpose of their service. “Ideological grounding is important in ensuring that the force and personnel understand the mission of the army so that they serve out of conviction” Maj Gen Masiko said. He emphasised the importance of soldiers having a sense of purpose and mission as these enable them to make individual sacrifices and do their work out of conviction. He noted that military service is not about careerism but rather about Readmore

22 November 2024 Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO)  concluded a two-day cooperative governance training. The training is aimed at improving the effectiveness of Board of Directors by equipping leaders with the  skills needed to advance the SACCO’s performance and operational efficiency. During the closing of the workshop, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, emphasized the importance of clearly defining the roles of the Board and management. “I am always focused on ensuring that the roles of the Board of Directors and management are properly separated. Failing to address governance issues is often the root cause of conflicts between the two bodies. Even if you have the skills, knowledge, and loyalty, absence of a good working Readmore

Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has  donated a tricycle worth UGX 7 million to support a bakery project in Nakasongola cantonment. The project is run by the spouses of the UPDF personnel living in the Cantonment. The donation is intended to support the project in the distribution of the products and to enhance efficiency in the operations The tricycle was  handed over at WSACCO headquarters in Kiwatule by the Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata, on behalf of the Board of Directors. The Principal Social Development Officer Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA), who is also the Head of  UPDF Spouses Desk, Mrs. Rabbecca Mugume received the donation on behalf of the beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, Brig Gen Onata commended the UPDF Readmore

Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) extended support to Christ the King Primary School in Akakaat, Bukedea District, by donating essential education and hygiene items on the 13th March 2025. The donation included exercise books for students of primary one to primary seven and reusable sanitary pads for girls in the upper primary classes. Representing  WSACCO’s Board of Directors, Col. Allan Kitanda, the Vice Chairman, emphasized that the donation aligns with the cooperative principle of “Concern for the Community.” He underscored the importance of collaboration between UPDF and local communities for the sustainability of the WSACCO. “This initiative is a testament to Wazalendo SACCO’s commitment not only to serving soldiers but also supporting the communities Readmore

Today 20th November 2024 Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) fraternity congratulates the  following newly promoted General Officer and  Senior Officers  from  both BOD and top management upon their well deserved promotions; Brigadier  General Joseph Freddy Onata  CEO-WSACCO,  Colonel Allan Kitanda – Vice C/Person of the BOD,  Colonel Banon Kato -Director Finance and Administration,  Colonel Yusuf Magero Buha –  Managing Director -Wazalendo Investments Ltd,  Lieutenant Colonel  Apollo Ahimbisibwe -Head Risk and Compliance,  lieutenant Colonel Arthur Kwezi -Head Information and Communications  Technology,  Lieutenant  Colonel Julius Katanaka – Head Finance and Lieutenant Colonel  Julius Niragire -Head Operations.   Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata Readmore

Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) hosted 400 Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) on a study tour at the SACCO headquarter in Kiwatule .The students are currently undergoing a four-month leadership course at Hima Training School in Kasese District. The Head of Human Resource  and Administration of WSACCO , Lt Col Wesley Aine who represented the Chief Executive Officer fulfilling its vision er Col Joseph Freddy Onata, emphasized the importance of WSACCO in Helping members manage their finances effectively. During the session, he highlighted the SACCO’s commitment to fulfilling its vision by expanding membership, offering quality financial services and making a positive impact in the lives of its members both during and after their active service. The Readmore

16th October 2024 Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society(WSACCO) has been commended for demonstrating the power of the cooperatives business model in equitable wealth creation and building resilient communities through focusing on  the welfare of its members and strategic community engagements. The remarks were done by the Chairperson of Dikwata SACCOS  Maj Gen Hendrick Rakgantswana. Dikwata SACCO is Military Savings and Cooperative Society for Botswana’s Defence Forces. The delegation that comprised of ten members drawn from the SACCO’s BoD and management was led by the Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Savings and Credit Cooperatives Associations (BOSCCA), Ms. Kefilwe  Masalila was hosted yesterday 15th October 2024 at Wazalendo SACCO Headquarters in Kiwatule. Readmore

UPDF, WAZALENDO SACCO LEADERS ADVISED TO GUARD AGAINST CORRUPTION TENDENCIES 16th September 2024 The Commander Land Force, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, has cautioned Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and Wazalendo SACCO leaders to safeguard the SACCO against corruption, citing recent rampant cases of mismanagement of government funds. Lt Gen Kayanja made the remarks while speaking at the closure of a two-day strategic retreat organized by Wazalendo’s Board of Directors to review and refine its five year strategic plan . The reviewed plan which has been under implementation for two and a half years, covers the period 2022-2026. The retreat was held at Mestil Hotel – Nsambya. Lt Gen Kayanja emphasized the importance of proper planning in managing the Readmore

WAZALENDO SACCO FLAGS OFF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN ARUA CITY 14th August 2024 In an effort to extend services closer to its members, Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has flagged off the construction of a commercial Complex that will house its Arua cash operating branch and also offer rentable space for the public in Arua City at plot 8 School Road. The Resident District Commissioner of Arua City, Mr Charles Ichogor, who flagged off the construction appluaded the President of Uganda His Excellency YK Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces for the vision of professionalizing the army and establishing a SACCO. He noted that all the achievements registered by the UPDF are hinged on transparency, professionalism, and decipline. In the Readmore