Education
Walimu Union unveils loan app to boost teachers’ access to credit
During the training, the teachers were introduced to an innovation: the Walimu Union loan app. This app will enable teachers to access loans more easily and transparently. Teachers were trained on how to use the app to access Walimu loans through their smartphones.
Head teachers and teachers from government schools throughout Entebbe Municipality attending a training session on accessing government-allocated funds for teachers through the Walimu Cooperative Union. (Credit: Walimu Cooperative Union)
By: Hannington Mutabazi, Journalist @New Vision
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Head teachers and teachers from government schools throughout Entebbe Municipality gathered at Lake Victoria Primary School on Saturday, June 5, 2026, for a training session on accessing government-allocated funds for teachers through the Walimu Cooperative Union.
The training was organised by the Entebbe Municipal Council in collaboration with Walimu.
A total of 150 teachers attended the training, where they learned how to take advantage of financial opportunities aimed at enhancing their welfare and professional development.
Since 2014, the government has invested 25 billion shillings into the Walimu Cooperative Union to help establish and grow teachers’ Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), reducing their heavy dependence on salaries.
Today, the union has expanded to include over 280 teachers’ SACCOs nationwide, representing educators from primary, secondary, technical, and tertiary institutions.
During the training, the teachers were introduced to an innovation: the Walimu Union loan app. This app will enable teachers to access loans more easily and transparently. Teachers were trained on how to use the app to access Walimu loans through their smartphones.
Paul Oketcho, the Credit Manager at Walimu, stated that as the union begins the second phase of loan rollout to teachers, management recognised the need to first train teachers on how to effectively use the Walimu App for quick access to SACCO loans.
Oketcho explained that the digital platform allows any teacher on the government payroll to open an account using their smartphone. The process involves entering the teacher's details and then signing up to apply for a loan.
The union’s national chairperson, Stephen Nabende, expressed optimism that the app will significantly help teachers acquire loans from the SACCO, as the process eliminates the need for any paperwork.
Today, the union has expanded to include over 280 teachers’ SACCOs nationwide, representing educators from primary, secondary, technical, and tertiary institutions.
During the training, the teachers were introduced to an innovation: the Walimu Union loan app. This app will enable teachers to access loans more easily and transparently. Teachers were trained on how to use the app to access Walimu loans through their smartphones.
Paul Oketcho, the Credit Manager at Walimu, stated that as the union begins the second phase of loan rollout to teachers, management recognised the need to first train teachers on how to effectively use the Walimu App for quick access to SACCO loans.
Oketcho explained that the digital platform allows any teacher on the government payroll to open an account using their smartphone. The process involves entering the teacher's details and then signing up to apply for a loan.
The union’s national chairperson, Stephen Nabende, expressed optimism that the app will significantly help teachers acquire loans from the SACCO, as the process eliminates the need for any paperwork.
"The system represents a significant innovation in loan management," noted Nabende, who added that the process allows individual teachers to initiate their loan applications, right through to when the funds are disbursed.
He believes that by facilitating easier access to loans through smartphones, many teachers will be motivated to start income-generating activities, thereby improving their financial well-being.
Nevertheless, he urged municipal authorities to encourage teachers on the government payroll to take advantage of Walimu SACCO loans.
Teachers welcome Walimu App
Teddy Nakitende, a teacher at Lake Victoria School, welcomed the initiative, stating that it will enable many teachers to access loans directly through their digital accounts on their smartphones. She noted that the app will reduce delays in loan processing by eliminating the need to obtain signatures from various loan officials.
Another beneficiary of Walimu SACCO, Grace Nakasirye, the headteacher at Chadwick Namate Primary School, mentioned that the Walimu App will simplify the process of obtaining loans from Walimu SACCO. She believes that the loan funds will significantly help teachers establish side businesses to supplement their monthly salaries.
“The inception of the Walimu SACCO has liberated teachers from money lenders. Teachers no longer have to borrow from money lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates,” said Nakasirye.
He believes that by facilitating easier access to loans through smartphones, many teachers will be motivated to start income-generating activities, thereby improving their financial well-being.
Nevertheless, he urged municipal authorities to encourage teachers on the government payroll to take advantage of Walimu SACCO loans.
Teachers welcome Walimu App
Teddy Nakitende, a teacher at Lake Victoria School, welcomed the initiative, stating that it will enable many teachers to access loans directly through their digital accounts on their smartphones. She noted that the app will reduce delays in loan processing by eliminating the need to obtain signatures from various loan officials.
Another beneficiary of Walimu SACCO, Grace Nakasirye, the headteacher at Chadwick Namate Primary School, mentioned that the Walimu App will simplify the process of obtaining loans from Walimu SACCO. She believes that the loan funds will significantly help teachers establish side businesses to supplement their monthly salaries.
“The inception of the Walimu SACCO has liberated teachers from money lenders. Teachers no longer have to borrow from money lenders who charge exorbitant interest rates,” said Nakasirye.