President Yoweri Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Armed Forces, has urged members of the UPDF’s WAZALENDO Savings and Cooperative Society, to use their loans wisely by constructing rentals in their areas and other income generating activities.
Gen. Museveni who is currently on a countrywide tour of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) barracks, to acquaint himself with the situation in the barracks and the challenges soldiers are facing, was on Sunday addressing Officers and men of the 3rd Division in Moroto Army barracks in Moroto District, Karamoja Sub-Region.
“When you borrow money, you should use it for the construction of rentals near your trading centre and build a personal house when you are about to retire,” the president noted.
He also advised spouses of soldiers to engage in income generating enterprises such as weaving of sweaters, among others. The president announced a donation of Shs.100 million into the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) of the wives of soldiers of the 3rd Division.
According to the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. David Muhoozi, UPDF’s WAZALENDO SACCO has 70,000 members who have saved substantial amount of money. He says the aim of the SACCO is to help soldiers improve their life and that of their families.
Gen. Museveni used the occasion to remind Officers and men of the 3rd Division of the principles of a liberation army that include Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy.
“Your work is to ensure prosperity for our people; that families have income, live in good houses, send children to school, have good health and easy mode of transport,” he said.
He encouraged Senior Officers of the UPDF to internalize those principles for effective impact, especially for the prosperity of all in Uganda.
On health, Gen. Museveni reiterated his call to all soldiers to value their lives by not living recklessly. He advised them to avoid alcohol, promiscuity smoking. He pledged to ensure that children of soldiers receive the necessary education.
Today, the president is visiting 5 Infantry division headquarters at Achol pii, Pader District.
