Dfcu Bank opens new branch in Fort Portal City, targeting farmers and SMEs

FORT PORTAL CITY, October 1, 2025 — Dfcu Bank has expanded its footprint in the Tooro Sub-region with the opening of its 56th branch in Fort Portal City.

Located along Babiiha Road, the new branch is expected to bring financial services closer to the local population, while tapping into Tooro’s vibrant agricultural and tourism-driven economy.

Speaking at the official launch held recently, Mathias Jumba, Dfcu’s Head of Integrated Channels, described Fort Portal City as both a key tourism destination and an agricultural powerhouse, known for producing matooke, potatoes, tea, and a variety of other crops.

“Our goal is to harness the region’s potential and transform the livelihoods of farmers through our broad range of financial services,” Jumba stated.

He noted that the branch will offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including low-interest loans, savings accounts, and agent banking—specifically targeting farmers, Small and Medium Enterprises [SMEs], Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs], youth, and traders in Fort Portal and surrounding districts such as Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Kasese, Bunyangabu, and Kyegegwa.

Jumba also emphasised Dfcu’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment through initiatives like the Dfcu Women in Business Programme and the GROW project, which provide training, mentorship, and affordable financing options.

“This region has many women eager to start or expand businesses. Dfcu is among the few financial institutions offering GROW project funds, which provide women with access to finance at just 10 percent interest per annum,” he added.

Although the bank continues to grow its digital channels, Dfcu Chief Executive Officer Charles Mudiwa stressed the enduring value of physical branches.

“We believe the strength of Dfcu lies in supporting customers face-to-face. A branch here provides an anchor point, clients can meet with our team, engage directly, and build trust,” Mudiwa said.
“Even as digital banking grows, physical branches remain an essential point of reference for maintaining personal banking relationships.”

Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole District LCV Chairperson, hailed the branch opening as a significant milestone for Fort Portal City and the wider region.

“This development positions Fort Portal City not only as a tourism hub but also as a rising economic giant in Western Uganda,” he remarked.

From market vendors in Kabundaire to tea farmers in Kyenjojo and tourism operators around Kibale National Park, Dfcu’s presence is expected to expand financial inclusion, create employment opportunities, and drive economic growth across Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, and Kasese districts.

Annet Kiconco, Dfcu’s Chief Retail Banking Officer, reiterated the bank’s focus on agriculture and trade as core pillars of its operations.

“Fort Portal is a major agricultural zone, and Dfcu is committed to supporting farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness ventures with specialised financial solutions,” she said.
“We are blending physical branch banking with digital platforms and a robust agent network to ensure no one is left behind.”

The bank’s digital innovations, including mobile and internet banking, along with a nationwide network of over 20,000 agent banking outlets, are designed to ease transactions, improve accessibility, and reduce the cost of doing business.

With its strategic location and tailored financial offerings, Dfcu’s new Fort Portal Branch marks a new chapter for inclusive banking in western region, one aimed at empowering communities, fuelling entrepreneurship, and accelerating regional economic transformation.

https://thecooperator.news/dfcu-posts-shs-50-9bln-in-gross-profit/

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