The 4 Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, has raised concerns about the deceptive tactics used by fraudsters to swindle soldiers out of their hard-earned money, noting that those who fall victim often experience demotivation, indiscipline, and, in some cases, desertion.
While addressing the 19th Wazalendo SACCO Pre-Annual General Meeting Delegates Conference at the 4th Air Force Wing in Gulu, Maj Gen Busizoori said, “Many officers and men have fallen victim to money laundering schemes,” emphasising the crucial role of commanders in guiding soldiers on proper financial management.
He noted that while the SACCO provides soldiers with low-interest loans to improve their welfare, poor enterprise selection by some UPDF personnel remains a challenge. He therefore urged them to prioritise savings and invest in sustainable businesses.
Highlighting Wazalendo SACCO’s strong performance, Maj Gen Busizoori emphasized that “as Wasacco grows, members’ welfare must also improve,” urging commanders to monitor soldiers’ enterprise performance.
The Vice Chairman of Wazalendo SACCO’s Board of Governors, Col Allan Kitanda, informed commanders and delegates that by 31st December 2024, Wasacco had outperformed projections, making WSACCO the largest SACCO in Uganda.
He said that Wazalendo Investment Limited (WIL) had introduced affordable housing projects, including estates at Bulamu along Mityana Road, Mukono-Wantone along Katosi Road, and Matugga, aimed at improving members’ social welfare.
Since its establishment on September 22, 2005, UPDF Wazalendo SACCO has consistently held Pre-AGMs where delegates review and refine proposals in preparation for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with this year’s set for March 17, 2025, at Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja.
Present at the Pre-AGM were senior commanders from the 4th and 5th Infantry Divisions, including deputy division commanders, brigade commanders, battalion commanders, administrative officers, and Wazalendo SACCO delegates from both divisions.
