UPDF Soldiers Empowered with Financial Skills as Wazalendo SACCO Opens Pajimo Office

Soldiers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division are being equipped with the skills and resources to turn loans into sustainable businesses, following an Enterprise Selection and Training exercise at the division’s headquarters.

The initiative coincided with the opening of Wazalendo SACCO’s new liaison office in Pajimo, aimed at making financial services more accessible to soldiers.

The training, presided over by the Deputy Division Commander, Col David Opeero, who represented the 5 Division Commander, emphasized the importance of investing loan funds wisely. Col Opeero urged soldiers to focus on ventures that create long-term value instead of spending on celebrations or luxury items, encouraging them to one day share success stories that inspire others.

Lt Col Peter Tuhairwe, a Wazalendo SACCO Board Member representing Northern Uganda, reinforced the message, advising soldiers to conduct proper research before starting a business. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing daily income-generating activities and warned against misusing funds on dowries or parties.

As part of the training, participants visited successful soldier-run enterprises that demonstrated the benefits of financial discipline and planning:

Lance Corporal Kabandize Robert, a clinical officer at Achol-Pi Army Hospital, invested a UGX 20 million loan from Wazalendo SACCO into cattle rearing in 2020. Starting with 20 cows, he now manages a 300-acre farm with Ankole, crossbreed, and local cattle, employing workers to sustain the business. Kabandize says the venture has improved his welfare, enabled him to pay school fees, and meet family needs, despite challenges such as livestock diseases and government policies affecting herders.

WO1 Obal Mateo of the 507 Brigade turned his loan into a maize and soya bean farm spanning five acres. Using modern planting techniques and fertilizers, he harvests four 130-kg bags per acre, selling each at UGX 27,000 per kilogram. Obal credits the farm for improving food security, boosting his welfare, and supporting his family while facing challenges from poor weather, wild birds, and limited manpower.

Pte Thomas Obita, a medical laboratory practitioner with the 505 Brigade, invested a UGX 19 million loan in land and milling machines. Later, with additional cash flow loans, he acquired an electric milling machine and expanded into poultry farming with support from his wife. Obita earns annual profits of about UGX 16.2 million and advised fellow soldiers to seek guidance from experienced entrepreneurs before starting a business.

The training underscored the value of planning, research, and financial discipline, demonstrating how disciplined investments can transform livelihoods.

In a related development, Wazalendo SACCO opened its Pajimo liaison office. The office aims to bring services closer to soldiers while reducing costs.

Mr William Atelyeba, Director of Operations at Wazalendo SACCO, said the office will handle loan processing, Waza Mobile registration, data capture, savings mobilization, and other services. Lt Col Peter Tuhairwe commended the initiative, noting that it will significantly improve service delivery to members and support the division’s broader financial literacy efforts.

Together, the training and the new liaison office reflect a growing focus on empowering soldiers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve financial stability and entrepreneurial success.