KAMPALA– The Uganda Cooperative Savings and Credit Union (UCSCU) has launched the Development Educators–Uganda Network, a platform aimed at strengthening the role of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) in promoting sustainable development.
The launch took place during a Development Educators’ breakfast meeting at Fairway Hotel in Kampala under the theme “Advancing the SACCO Sector’s Abilities in Promoting Sustainable Development.” The event brought together Uganda’s Development Educators (DEs) to deliberate on strategies for growth and cooperation within the sector.
Hon. Bintu Jalia, Chairperson of UCSCU, commended SACCO leaders for investing in the professional development of their staff through the Development Educators programme. She encouraged the educators to remain committed and to work collectively towards advancing the SACCO movement in Uganda.
Chairman of the Supervision Committee of Wazalendo SACCO, Brigadier General Justus Rukundo, underscored the need for greater collaboration, stating: “Once we work together and start small, such as contributing and making community contributions, we can achieve much more.”
Colonel Yusuf Magero Buha, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, urged SACCOs to support national initiatives, share resources and unite in order to create stronger impact across the country.
Participants discussed practical approaches to improving SACCO performance, including strengthening financial inclusion, building institutional capacity, engaging at both national and regional levels, and developing joint projects to directly benefit communities.
The meeting also set out to establish a professional body to drive social and economic transformation through the cooperative model, and to elect interim leadership for the DEs Uganda Network.
An interim committee was elected with Col Yusuf Magero Buha as Chairperson, deputised by Mr Methods Mureebe, CEO of the Parliamentary SACCO.
Other members include Ms Rita, Training Manager at UCSCU; Ms Oliver Wananda, CEO of UN Staff SACCO; Lt Col Julius Niragire; Ms Dorothy Mwesigwa; and Ms Mercy Tumukunde.
The event was attended by Dr Silvester Ndirora Mukama, CEO of UCSCU, alongside Development Educators from various SACCOs across the country.
Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) has rolled out a nationwide training initiative aimed at enhancing loan productivity and improving members’ welfare.
The training, conducted in Northern, West Nile, Eastern, Western and Central Uganda, provided members with opportunities to exhibit their enterprises, exchange experiences and participate in practical learning sessions.
Speaking at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya, Wazalendo SACCO Board Chairman, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, emphasised that the initiative goes beyond routine mobilisation and sensitisation. “Our assessment of loan impact shows that while the SACCO is growing rapidly, the benefits are not always reflected in members’ individual incomes. This training is meant to address that gap,” he said.
Lt Gen Kavuma encouraged members to embrace the programme, underlining the role of mindset change in achieving financial success. He cautioned against diverting loans to non-income-generating activities and urged members to save, borrow responsibly and invest wisely.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, Colonel Yusuf Magero Buha, highlighted key achievements this year, including the launch of the Arua Complex, the opening of a liaison office in Pajim, the relocation of the Kakiri branch to Nansana town and the Society’s expansion into South Sudan. Ongoing projects include the construction of branches in Nakasongola and Kihihi, and the introduction of the Waza Mobile Loan service.
Col Buha also announced plans to pilot Waza Market, a platform where members will showcase and sell products while networking and exchanging knowledge.
As of 31 August 2025, Wazalendo SACCO reported:
• Membership of over 116,000
• Share capital of UGX 341.2 billion
• Savings of UGX 621.8 billion
• Loan portfolio exceeding UGX 1 trillion
• Total assets of UGX 1.26 trillion and a surplus of UGX 66.8 billion
The training combined presentations by successful members with field visits to their enterprises, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Projects visited included fish farming, piggery, dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry and banana cultivation, all financed through Wazalendo SACCO.
By promoting peer learning and enterprise exposure, the initiative seeks to improve loan utilisation, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen members’ welfare across the country.
The exercise attracted unit and formation commanders, delegates and selected members with thriving projects, and was fully organised by Wazalendo SACCO.
