Wazalendo SACCO has highlighted its financial growth, institutional transformation and expanding investment portfolio at the National Cooperatives Conference 2026 held at Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

The conference, held under the theme “Showcasing Cooperative Achievements, Sustainable Industrialization for Inclusive Growth, Employment and Wealth Creation,” brought together government officials, academics, cooperative leaders, private-sector representatives and development partners to discuss the future of Uganda’s cooperative movement.

The conference was officiated by Rt Hon Rukia Nakadama, Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, who commended the Uganda Cooperative Alliance (UCA) and other stakeholders for convening the national platform.

Nakadama said Uganda’s cooperative movement remains an important driver of socio-economic transformation through savings mobilisation, access to finance, improved production and markets, and enhancement of household incomes.

She called on cooperatives to move beyond commodity production and participate across the entire value chain while strengthening governance, accountability, financial sustainability and adoption of technology.

The Third Deputy Prime Minister also emphasised the need for greater participation of women and young people in the cooperative movement, saying cooperatives have an important role to play in promoting financial inclusion, value addition, employment and wealth creation.

She further stressed the importance of equipping cooperative leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to promote good governance, accountability and sustainable development.

Presenting Wazalendo SACCO’s achievements, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brig Gen Peter Omola Gaetano, who represented the Board Chairman, said the SACCO has transformed from a traditional savings and credit cooperative into a diversified and technology-driven institution.

According to Omola, Wazalendo SACCO currently has approximately UGX 1.4 trillion in total assets, UGX 560 billion in capital and a loan portfolio of UGX 1.3 trillion.

The SACCO has also cumulatively disbursed approximately UGX 4.4 trillion in loans to its members, demonstrating the scale of its lending operations.

The institution has diversified its activities beyond traditional savings and lending through Wazalendo Investments Limited (WIL). The investment company has enabled Wazalendo SACCO to venture into road construction and real estate, while WAZA Market provides a platform through which members can promote their products and access broader markets.

Omola said the diversification strategy reflects the SACCO’s broader transition from financial welfare towards value creation and sustainable development. “The diversification strategy forms part of a broader journey from financial welfare towards value creation and sustainable development,” Brig Gen Omola said.

Omola attributed Wazalendo SACCO’s growth to strong member participation, a savings culture, professional management, innovation and sound governance.

He said the institution’s future priorities include expanding digital services, strengthening risk management, developing member-focused financial products and increasing investment opportunities for members.

He further emphasised that sustainable institutional growth requires accountability, compliance and continuous value creation for members.

The National Cooperatives Conference 2026 was jointly organised by the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, Makerere University Business School and the Cooperative University as part of efforts to strengthen cooperative education and development in Uganda.

The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to showcase achievements within Uganda’s cooperative movement and discuss how cooperatives can contribute to sustainable industrialisation, inclusive economic growth, employment and wealth creation.