WSACCO WAZALENDO SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED
WSACCO GETS NEW CEO AS BRIG GEN ONATA HEADS TO NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE
23 July 2025
The Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Major General Henry Masiko, has praised the leadership of Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO) for its professionalism, resilience, and consistent growth.
Maj Gen Masiko made the remarks while officiating at the handover of the Chief Executive Officer’s office from Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata to Col Yusuf Magero Buha, who will serve in an acting capacity. Before his appointment, Col Buha was the Managing Director of Wazalendo Investments SMC Ltd (WIL) WSACCO’s business arm. Lt Col Wesley Aine, who has been the Head Human Resource and Administration appointed Managing Director (acting) of Wazalendo Investments Ltd.
The leadership transition follows Brig Gen Onata’s nomination to attend the prestigious Grade One Course at the National Defence College – Uganda. “I speak not of someone I have only heard about, but of someone I have worked closely with,” Gen Masiko said of Brig Gen Onata. “He has consistently demonstrated professionalism and unwavering commitment to WSACCO’s mission’’.
He urged the Board of Directors to remain anchored in the SACCO’s founding objectives. “In many institutions, boards can either be the strongest pillar or the greatest source of instability,” he cautioned.
Maj Gen Masiko also called on the Supervisory Board to carry out its oversight role with diligence, stressing the importance of internal checks in maintaining stability and trust in sensitive institutions like WSACCO.
The incoming acting CEO, Col Buha, was tasked to uphold the SACCO’s values and sustain the momentum achieved under Brig Gen Onata’s leadership.
In his farewell speech, Brig Gen Onata thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the CEO role and reaffirmed his commitment to WSACCO’s mission of improving the socio-economic welfare of its members.
“I am confident that the institution is well-positioned for continued success under the new leadership,” he said.
He encouraged the staff to focus on self-assessment, teamwork, continuous learning, and empowerment, noting that these elements are key to sustainable growth. “When these are in harmony, growth becomes the norm,” he added.
“Be men and women of integrity. Reflect on your contribution to the institution because, in the end, what matters is the legacy you leave behind.”
Representing the Chairman, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Col Allan Kitanda, commended both Brig Gen Onata and Col Buha for their service and dedication to WSACCO’s progress.
“WSACCO is now recognised not just in Uganda, but regionally and globally,” Col Kitanda said. “We are being talked about in places like Ireland because of the impact we have made and that is thanks to a committed team.”
He encouraged the incoming leadership to embrace the culture and strategic direction laid down by their predecessors.
During the event the BOD and Staff also honored Mr. Asiimwe Milton, the outgoing Manager of Research and Business Development, for his integrity, hard work, and long service. As he enters retirement, Col Kitanda urged him to share his wealth of experience with the wider community.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board, as well as departmental heads and staff.
Charity Namanya (ADE)
Public Relations Manager-
Wazalendo SACCO