Wazalendo SACCO has donated sports kits to 20 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) teams currently camping in Masaka for the 17th edition of the Chief of Defence Forces Cup (CDF Cup).
Wazalendo SACCO, an institutional savings and credit cooperative composed of UPDF personnel, their families, reserve forces, and Ministry of Defence staff, handed over the kits at Masaka Secondary School sports grounds.
Maj. Gen. Deus Sande, Commander of the Kasijjagirwa-Masaka Armoured Division and host of this year’s tournament, commended Wazalendo SACCO for its corporate social responsibility and urged the participating teams to maintain discipline.
“As the host, I welcome you to Masaka. You are right at home, and we are here to unite, interact, and grow more professional through sports,” Maj. Gen. Sande said.
Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, UPDF’s Joint Staff for Education, Sports and Culture, praised Wazalendo SACCO for its consistent annual sponsorship, saying it strengthens cohesion within the army and enhances relations with civilians.
Lt. Col. Julius Katanaka, Acting Director of Finance at Wazalendo SACCO, said the donation reflects the institution’s ethos of discipline, teamwork, and cohesion. The SACCO contributed 360 pairs of men’s uniforms and 200 pairs of ladies’ uniforms with bibs.
“We are privileged to sponsor the teams as part of our social corporate responsibility. Wazalendo is now a UGX 1.3 trillion SACCO, built by members’ savings. Giving back is our way of appreciating their contribution while strengthening UPDF bonds today and for the future,” Lt. Col. Katanaka noted.
The 17th edition of the CDF Cup officially kicks off on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Masaka Secondary School and will climax on September 15, 2025, under the theme: “Physical Fitness, Combat Readiness and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases through Sports.” Disciplines include football, netball, range shooting, and tree planting.
At least 20 UPDF formations and services will take part, including the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Infantry Divisions, Mountain Division, Field Artillery Division, Armoured Division, Motorised Infantry Division, Air Force, Magamaga Cantonment, Special Forces Command (SFC), Military Police, Kabamba Cantonment, Marines Brigade, Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Jinja Cantonment, Bombo General Headquarters, and the Engineers Brigade.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, will preside over the tournament as Chief Guest.
English 