Undoing The Odds: Wazalendo SACCO Launches Construction of Commercial Complex in Arua City, Pleadges To Do Business With Wanainchi

Arua City, 15 August 2024: In a significant move aimed at enhancing service delivery and fostering economic growth, the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) last night broke ground on the construction of a new commercial complex in Arua City.

The complex, which will house a dedicated space for the Arua branch of WSACCO as well as commercial units available for rent to the public, marks a strategic investment in the region. The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by the Resident District Commissioner (RCC) of Arua City, Mr. Charles Ichogor.

RCC Ichogor lauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his supposed visionary leadership in professionalizing the army and establishing WSACCO. He expressed his gratitude to the WSACCO leadership for choosing Arua City as the site for this major investment, underscoring the importance of this development for the local community.

“The establishment of Wazalendo SACCO in Arua comes at a crucial time when there is a dire need for training and mentorship among our local savings groups. This complex will not only bring services closer to our people but will also serve as a hub for knowledge sharing and capacity building,” Ichogor remarked. He urged the Arua city leadership to foster partnerships between local SACCOs and Wazalendo to help them adopt best practices in leadership and management, thereby enhancing their growth and sustainability.

The Wazalendo SACCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colonel Joseph Freddy Onata, highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the construction of the building would transform the city’s landscape and create employment opportunities for community members involved in the construction and supply of materials.

“SACCOs thrive on numbers and the quality of services offered. By establishing a branch in Arua City, we are taking a strategic step to strengthen our ties with the community, expand our services, and increase savings and loan offerings,” Col. Onata explained. He emphasized that by situating the branch outside the military barracks, WSACCO aims to integrate more closely with the community and facilitate collaboration with other SACCOs in the region, enabling them to learn from and share experiences with WSACCO.

Representing the WSACCO Board of Directors, Lt. Col. Allan Kitanda, the Vice Chairman, commended the collaborative efforts of the Arua city leadership in expediting document processing and approving the architectural plans. He praised the WSACCO management team for effectively executing the strategic plans set by the Board and driving progress towards the organization’s vision.

Lt. Col. Kitanda also announced plans to expand WSACCO’s common bond, allowing select members of the public to engage in business with the SACCO, further broadening its impact on the community. The Commander of the 409 Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Nathan Bainomugisha, who represented the Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Felix Busizori, lauded WSACCO’s leadership for their strategic decision to acquire land and develop a commercial complex in Arua City Centre.

He highlighted the high-quality services provided by Wazalendo SACCO to its members, particularly the convenience and affordability of its expanded branch network and digital channels. “The security of WSACCO’s operations in Arua is paramount, and we are committed to supporting their efforts in member mobilization and ensuring a safe environment for their business,” Lt. Col. Bainomugisha assured.

The event was graced by several notable figures, including the Arua City Mayor, Mr. Wadri Anyakun; City Clerk, Mr. Kyasanku; RPC West Nile, SSP Ochama; and members of the WSACCO Board of Directors, Maj. Peter Tuhairwe (Northern) and S/Sgt. Osuko Peter (West Nile). Also in attendance were WSACCO’s Director of Operations, Mr. William Atalyeba, and other dignitaries.

As construction begins, the WSACCO complex is poised to become a landmark in Arua City, not only enhancing the city’s economic landscape but also bringing essential financial services closer to the people.

About WSACCO:Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) is one of Uganda’s largest cooperative financial institutions, primarily serving members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and their families. Founded with the vision of fostering economic empowerment among its members, WSACCO has grown into a vital institution offering a wide range of financial services across the country.