Sylvia K
The commander of land forces in the UPDF, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, has yesterday officially inaugurated the 10th branch of the Wazalendo SACCO along Balya Road in Fort Portal City.
At the function, William Atalyeba, Director of Operations at Wazalendo SACCO, noted that the UPDF now boasts 19 branches nationwide, with 10 operating as cash branches.
Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma Chairperson of the Wazalendo SACCO Board, explained that the SACCO, was established 18 years ago, with an aim streamlining services for army officers due to difficulties faced in traditional banking systems, where long queues were the order of the day.
Maj. Gen. Kavuma urged soldiers to utilize the SACCO, emphasizing its importance in light of the fact that 39% of Ugandans are not fully integrated into the formal economy, some thing that prompted the government to come up with government programs like PDM, Emyooga among others to boost their income.
Highlighting the positive impact of Wazalendo SACCO on soldiers’ welfare, Lt. Gen. Muhanga who doubled as the chief guest, stressed the importance of responsible management of the SACCO to maintain its credibility and benefit for the forces.
