Entebbe, Uganda – Delegates and staff from Wazalendo SACCO have graduated after a four-day training on Development Educators (DE) program focusing on the SACCO business model and philosophy. The training, which took place from April 29th to May 2nd, 2024, at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, was organized by the Africa Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA) in conjunction with the Uganda Cooperatives Savings Credit Union (UCSCU).
While closing the training, Mr. George Ombado, the Executive Officer of ACCOSCA, revealed that the training has introduced participants to understanding the SACCO business model and philosophy, deepened their understanding of SACCO structure, and built their capacity in mapping out members’ needs. According to Mr. Ombado, the training also introduced participants to ways of dealing with members’ expectations from the standpoint of SACCO leaders.
“Our presence here reflects our efforts to continuously professionalize the SACCO movement in Uganda and the continent as a whole,” said Mr. Ombado.
Mr. Sylvester Ndiroramukama, the Chief Executive Officer of UCSCU, appreciated the leadership of ACCOSCA for considering the empowerment of SACCOs in Uganda. He added that the training focused on cooperative identity, SACCO philosophy, and the importance of members as the main pillar on which SACCOs build their sustainability.
Mr. Ndiroramukama applauded Wazalendo SACCO for investing in the program by inviting ACCOSCA through UCSCU to conduct the training in Uganda. He further appreciated Wazalendo SACCO leadership for prioritizing investment in the training of their members, delegates, management, and leaders, which is reflected in the SACCO’s performance.
Colonel Joseph Freddy Onata, the Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, commended ACCOSCA for recognizing that Uganda needs transformation and that such transformation can only be achieved through training of SACCO leaders, delegates, and members across the country so that they are able to make good decisions and act in the best interest of the members. He encouraged trainees to go back to their SACCOs and transfer the knowledge acquired to the entire membership if the training is to be impactful.
Col. Onata used the occasion to ask SACCO leaders to support ACCOSCA and UCSCU efforts in transforming lives through the training of the cooperative movement.
Ms. Stella Oguti, the Chairperson of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), appreciated the organizers of the training for the wealth of information shared regarding SACCOs, especially on the deliberate efforts required to grow SACCOs and empower the members.
The four days’ intense training was attended by 50 participants from Wazalendo SACCO, Exodus SACCO, URA SACCO, Steadfin SACCO, and the Franciscan Investment Cooperative (FIC).
Note: This information was courtesy of Charity N. Namanya, the Public Relations Manager of Wazalendo SACCO.
