Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has donated hospital equipment and launched a capacity-building programme for community SACCOs in the Kigezi Sub-region as part of the activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
The SACCO handed over 135 hospital mattresses to the UPDF for distribution to selected health facilities across Kigezi.
While receiving the mattresses, Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, said the donation would directly support patient care and noted that the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services would supplement the contribution with additional medical equipment.
Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochen, Deputy Joint Staff Health Services, thanked Wazalendo for honouring their pledge and said the mattresses would ease pressure on health facilities across the region. He added that distribution would be guided by local leaders to ensure they reach the most deserving health centres.
“These mattresses will go where they are needed most. They may not address every challenge, but they will certainly reduce the burden on many health centres,” Brig Gen Ochen said.
He also announced that UPDF Health Services will complement the mattresses with 20 hospital beds and 12 delivery beds to ensure mothers “deliver in a comfortable and safe environment,” along with a theatre table for handling emergency obstetric cases in lower-level facilities.
Col Allan Kitanda, Vice Chairperson of the Wazalendo Board, said the donation is part of the SACCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility from the “Wazalendo family,” comprising serving and retired officers, Ministry of Defence staff, and their families. He described the support as a gesture of appreciation for the service and sacrifice of UPDF officers and militants from the region.
“This is a humble contribution on behalf of the Wazalendo family,” Col Kitanda said. “We thank our members for allowing us to give back. The sons and daughters of this region have served the UPDF with distinction, and this is our way of saying thank you.”
The mattresses and equipment will be officially handed over to district leaders on 6 January.
WSACCO Rolls Out Capacity-Building Drive for Grassroots Cooperatives
In a related development, Wazalendo SACCO has launched a ten-day capacity-building programme for community SACCOs in the Kigezi Sub-region as part of the Tarehe Sita activities.
The training, which began in Kisoro District, brings together leaders from selected SACCOs identified by District Commercial Officers across all six districts. Participants were drawn from Bunagana Community Empowerment SACCO, Mubugu Amajambere Reach SACCO, Mutolere Deanery Twongere Umusumururo SACCO, Kisoro Elders SACCO, Chahi Dukore SACCO, and the Bufumbira Twifanye SACCO Union.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Ndikumwami Dan thanked Wazalendo for extending support beyond its membership and encouraged participants to apply the skills gained to improve service delivery.
“This is how communities can pool their savings, access affordable loans, and rise out of poverty,” he said.
Col Kitanda noted that the training reflects Wazalendo’s commitment to empowering communities that support the UPDF. He urged SACCO leaders to strengthen governance, uphold accountability, and prioritise member satisfaction—key pillars behind Wazalendo’s success.
The training covers cooperative principles, the SACCO business model, governance standards, member roles in sustainability, and common operational challenges.
The Wazalendo team leading the training includes Lt Col Julius Niragire, Head of Operations; Capt Dathan Bunanukye, Regional Board Member; and Capt Brenda Anyiny, the SACCO’s Political Commissar.
