Wazalendo breaks ground for commercial complex in Arua City

Arua | On Wednesday, the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) began construction on a commercial complex in Arua.

The complex’s goal is to bring its services closer to its members, and it will include a dedicated space for the Arua branch as well as commercial units available for public rent.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Arua City’s Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor, praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his visionary leadership in professionalising the army and establishing the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society.

Ichogor thanked the WSACCO leadership for choosing Arua City as the site for the investment over other potential locations.

The RDC stated that the arrival of Wazalendo SACCO in Arua coincides with an urgent need for training and mentoring among local savings groups.

He stated that Wazalendo SACCO will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing and capacity building, and urged Arua city leadership to facilitate collaboration between local SACCOs and Wazalendo.

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He stated that the partnerships will allow them to implement best practices in leadership and management, thereby enhancing their growth and development.

Colonel Joseph Freddy Onata, Chief Executive Officer of Wazalebdo SACCO, stated that the construction of the building in Arua City will change the city’s appearance and create job opportunities for community members.

According to Onata, these members will be responsible for construction and material supply. He emphasised that SACCOs are about quantity and quality of services in terms of affordability and convenience.

Col Onata explained that the Arua City branch is a strategic move to strengthen WSACCO’s community ties while also expanding its services through increased savings and loan offerings.

By locating the branch outside of the military barracks, WSACCO hopes to integrate with the community and facilitate collaboration with other SACCOs in the region, allowing them to learn from and share experiences with WSACCO more readily.

Lt Col Allan Kitanda, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, represented the Chairman, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, and praised the Arua city leadership for their collaborative efforts in expediting document processing and approving architectural plans.

He commended the WSACCO management team for effectively carrying out the board’s strategic plans and driving progress towards the organization’s vision.

Lt Col Kitanda also announced WSACCO’s plans to expand its common bond, allowing select members of the public to conduct business with the SACCO.

Lt Col Nathan Bainomugisha, Commander 409 Infantry Brigade, represented the Commander 4 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Felix Busizori, and praised the WSACCO leadership for their strategic decision to acquire land and develop a commercial complex in Arua’s city centre.

Lt Col Bainomugisha also praised Wazalendo SACCO’s high-quality services for its members, emphasising the convenience and affordability of its expanded branch network and digital channels.

He pledged his support for WSACCO’s operations in Arua, ensuring their business security and committing to ongoing member mobilisation efforts.