Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society has handed over hospital equipment and rolled out a capacity-building programme for community SACCOs in the Kigezi Sub-region as part of activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
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, the Director of Civil Military Cooperation, said the mattresses will directly support patient care and confirmed that the UPDF Joint Staff Health Services will supplement the effort with additional equipment.
Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochen, the Deputy Joint Staff Health Services thanked Wazalendo for fulfilling their pledge and said that mattresses will ease pressure on health facilities across the region, with local leaders guiding the distribution to centres most in need.
“These mattresses will go where they are needed most. They may not solve every challenge, but they will reduce the burden on several health centres,” said Brig Gen Ocen.
He added that the UPDF Health Services would complement the mattresses with 20 hospital beds and 12 delivery beds to ensure mothers “deliver in a comfortable and safe environment.”
A single theatre table, he said was also procured to handle emergency obstetric cases in lower-level health centres.
Col Allan Kitanda, the Vice Chairperson of the Wazalendo Board, said the gesture is part of the SACCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility from the “Wazalendo family,” which includes serving and retired officers, Ministry of Defence civilians, and their families.
He said the contribution, though modest, is a gesture of appreciation for the service 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 other equipment will be officially handed over to district leaders on 6 January.
WSACCO Rolls Out Capacity Building Drive Targeting Grassroots Cooperatives
In a related development, Wazalendo SACCO has launched a ten-day capacity-building programme for community SACCOs in Kigezi as part of the Tarehe Sita activities.
The training, which started in Kisoro District, brings together leaders from selected SACCOs identified by District Commercial Officers across the six districts. It drew participants 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 commended Wazalendo for extending support beyond its membership and urged 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 said the training underscores Wazalendo’s belief in empowering communities that support the UPDF.
He encouraged SACCO leaders to strengthen governance, uphold accountability, and focus on member satisfaction, which he described as key drivers of Wazalendo’s growth.
The programme will cover cooperative principles, the SACCO business model, governance standards, the role of members in sustainability, and common operational challenges.
Wazalendo’s team on the training tour includes Lt Col Julius Niragire, Head of Operations; Capt Dathan Bunanukye, Regional Board Member; and Capt Brenda Anyiny, the SACCO’s Political Commissar.
