KAMPALA, June 2, 2026 — Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to extending financial support to more Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] as part of its efforts to promote financial inclusion across the country.
The bank also pledged to strengthen its support for micro-businesses and grassroots enterprises operated by SACCO members through tailored financing, financial literacy programmes and sustainability-focused products.
Equity Bank Uganda’s Head of SMEs, Olivia Mugaba, made the remarks during the Annual General Meeting of Uganda Central Co-operative Financial Services Ltd [UCCFS], held on Thursday at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi.
She noted that the bank’s own journey reflects the transformative potential of cooperative institutions, having evolved from a small savings society into a regional banking powerhouse.
“If your SACCO needs governance training, financial literacy or leadership support, call us. We will come and train your members at our own cost,” Mugaba said.
She emphasised that the bank remains committed to supporting SACCOs and small businesses, which she described as key drivers of economic growth.
Mugaba recounted how the institution was founded by ordinary farmers who were unable to access conventional banking services due to a lack of collateral and financial history.
“We started as a society formed by ordinary farmers who could not access traditional banking because they lacked financial history and collateral,” she said.
“That journey is proof that SACCOs and cooperatives can grow into strong institutions when supported with the right leadership, discipline and partnerships.”
According to Mugaba, Equity Bank’s partnership with UCCFS is intended to deepen financial inclusion at the grassroots by developing products and services that address the specific challenges faced by SACCO members.
“If a customer walks into a bank, we need to understand people’s challenges first so we can create solutions that work for them,” she said.
She further revealed that the bank has dedicated resources to providing free financial literacy and capacity-building programmes for SACCOs across the country.
Equity Bank has also advanced its sustainability agenda through green financing products that support renewable energy, waste management and other environmentally friendly projects.
“We provide green financing at reduced interest rates because sustainability matters. Our partners even pay up to 33 per cent of the loan value on behalf of the customer,” Mugaba revealed.
Equity Bank’s Segment Head of Micro Business, Bob Paul Lusembo, described SACCOs as the foundation of grassroots economic transformation.
“The starting point of transformation at the grassroots is the SACCO because members know and trust one another, but the biggest challenge they face is liquidity,” Lusembo said.
He explained that the bank offers financing ranging from Shs1 million to Shs 100 million under its micro-business segment, depending on a SACCO’s stage of growth and borrowing capacity.
The bank also announced specialised financing solutions for agriculture, green energy projects, distributors, suppliers and school fees support.
Under its agribusiness financing programme, Equity Bank provides unsecured short-term loans ranging from Shs 10 million to Shs 500 million for farmers and suppliers with verified produce contracts.
Lusembo urged cooperatives to continue engaging with the bank to identify ways of improving services and expanding access to affordable financing.
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