The Gambia Armed Forces have embarked on a mission to replicate the success of Uganda’s military credit union to improve the socio-economic welfare of their own troops.
A Gambian military delegation led by Brigadier General Sait Njie, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Board Chairman of the Gambia Armed Forces Cooperative Credit Union, visited the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Wazalendo SACCO) headquarters in Kiwatule, Kampala, on August 11, 2026.
The benchmark visit aimed to study Wazalendo SACCO’s operational framework, governance structure, and financial services to enhance financial inclusion for Gambian service members.
Brigadier General Yusuf Magero Buha, the Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo SACCO, received the delegation and briefed them on the cooperative's evolution since its establishment in 2005 under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
"From humble beginnings in 2005 and the first loan product, the School Fees Loan, given out in 2008, Wazalendo SACCO has grown into a significant pillar of financial empowerment for our servicemen and women, driven by a deep understanding of their unique needs," Brigadier General Buha said.
Brigadier General Sait Njie commended the Ugandan institution for its sustainable credit systems and direct impact on military families. The Gambian delegation also included Major Falton Bety Jammeh, Manager of the Gambia Armed Forces Credit Union, and Mr. Yankuba Touray, Director of Programmes at the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of Gambia.
During the engagement, senior Wazalendo SACCO directors outlined key operational strategies that drive the institution's financial stability.
Colonel JB Kato, Director of Wazalendo SACCO Administration and Finance, attributed the cooperative's stability to sound management and a balanced hybrid workforce of civilian and military personnel.
"The robust organizational structures, the unique blend of civilian and military staffing, sound financial management practices, and transparent governance structures underpin the SACCO's success," Colonel JB Kato stated.
Addressing operational accessibility, Mr. William Atalyeba, Director of Operations, highlighted the cooperative’s physical branch network, specialized liaison channels, tailored loan products, and digital platforms like the 'Waza mobile' service.
The bilateral discussions centered on member mobilization, risk management, strategic investments, and digital banking solutions tailored for armed forces personnel.
