Equity Bank deepens SACCO and SME support with tailored financing push

June 1, 2026 in Business, Companies, Financial Services, U by Editor

Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial inclusion by expanding tailored financing, training, and sustainability-linked products for SACCOs, micro businesses, and grassroots entrepreneurs, as it strengthens its partnership with cooperative movements across the country.

Equity Bank Uganda has reiterated its focus on strengthening Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), micro enterprises, and grassroots entrepreneurs through customised financial solutions, capacity building, and green financing initiatives.

Speaking at the Uganda Central Co-operative Financial Services Ltd (UCCFS) Annual General Assembly at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi May 29, the Bank said its growth from a small savings entity into a regional financial institution continues to shape its mission of empowering community-based enterprises.

Equity Bank Head of SMEs, Olivia Mugaba, said the institution’s origins were rooted in farmers who were excluded from formal banking due to lack of collateral and financial history, but who built a trusted savings and credit system through collective effort.

She noted that SACCOs remain a critical driver of inclusive growth, adding that the Bank’s approach is built on understanding client realities rather than enforcing rigid lending requirements.

The Bank also emphasized its free financial literacy and governance training programmes for SACCOs, saying it is committed to supporting capacity building at no cost across regions.

Mugaba further highlighted Equity Bank’s green financing agenda, which supports renewable energy, waste management, and environmentally sustainable projects at reduced interest rates.

Equity Bank’s Segment Head of Micro Business, Bob Paul Lusembo, described SACCOs as the foundation of grassroots economic transformation, noting that liquidity constraints remain a key challenge the Bank seeks to address through targeted financing.

He said the Bank provides micro-financing ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 100 million for SACCOs, alongside governance support and leadership training to ensure sustainability.

Lusembo also revealed specialised financing for agriculture and supply chain actors, including unsecured loans for farmers and distributors with verified contracts, as well as broader SME financing of up to UGX 6 billion.

The Bank reaffirmed its long-term partnership with UCCFS, urging SACCO leaders to continue engaging the institution to co-develop solutions that strengthen cooperative growth across Uganda.