DISCIPLINE, STRATEGY, AND SUSTAINABILITY: 10 Financial Leadership Lessons from Wazalendo SACCO’s CFO, Maj. Julius Katanaka Major Julius Katanaka, the Head of Finance at Wazalendo SACCO— the Uganda Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) Co-operative Society— has a unique journey that bridges the discipline of military service with the evolving demands of financial leadership. In a recent conversation as part of the CFO Playbook series, he shared insights into the values, challenges, and strategies that define successful financial leadership. His experiences and philosophies offer valuable lessons for aspiring CFOs and financial professionals.

1. Discipline and Integrity: The Cornerstones of Leadership Major Katanaka’s military background underscores the importance of discipline and integrity in financial leadership. He argues that these principles are universally applicable and essential for managing finances responsibly. “In the military, discipline is our first priority. Even in this profession, discipline and integrity are key. If you have discipline and integrity and are transparent and accountable, you will succeed,” he said, emphasising the shared values between the military and finance professions. 2. Strategic Thinking: Beyond Number Crunching The role of a CFO has evolved from traditional bookkeeping to strategic oversight. Major Katanaka…