UPDF 4 Infantry Division Trains Soldiers on Financial Skills

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 4 Infantry Division has conducted a financial literacy training to equip soldiers with practical investment skills.

The training, led by Division Operations Training Officer Col Orombi Oloya on behalf of the Division Commander, stressed the importance of sound financial planning and disciplined saving.

Col Oloya praised the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF for establishing the Wazalendo SACCO in 2006. “At its inception, we thought it was a burden, but the SACCO has benefited us more than we imagined,” he said. He added that the initiative has promoted personal and professional growth among UPDF members, contributing to national prosperity and regional security.

He encouraged soldiers to continue saving through the SACCO.

Lt Col Peter Tuhairwe, a Wazalendo SACCO board member, reinforced financial management messages across UPDF formations. He urged soldiers to research thoroughly before starting businesses and to prioritise daily income-generating activities to sustain their well-being.

The training began with a guided tour of the ANNEX Farm, a four-acre model farm in Pageya Village, Gulu District, established in 2018 in line with Presidential directives.

Managed by Alex Ojera and Andrew Tabu, the farm features mixed farming activities including poultry, goats, rabbits, beekeeping, vegetables, a water project, and solar power generation. Ojera encouraged soldiers to diversify investments and participate in well-supervised projects to ensure sustainability.

Lt Badru Ssendagi, a Wazalendo SACCO beneficiary cultivating matooke on ten acres in Koch Goma Town Council, Nwoya District, praised UPDF leadership for providing soldiers with opportunities to engage in agriculture.

Participants included staff officers, department heads and other personnel of the 4 Infantry Division.