Equity bank has officially launched its 2025 “Tupange Business ne Equity Nationwide Forum,” a new initiative designed to strengthen and support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The forum, which began in Kampala, is set to tour several regions, including Mbale, Arua, Fort Portal, and Hoima, through August and September. Under the theme, “Financing Integrated Value Chains and SME Growth,” the bank aims to accelerate the expansion of SMEs by creating interconnected business networks.
The initiative’s goal is to support over 1,000 SMEs by the end of the year. During the Kampala launch at Hotel Africana, Olivia Mugaba, the head of SME at Equity Bank Uganda, emphasized the critical role of these businesses in the national economy.
“SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy, creating seven out of every ten jobs globally,” she stated.
“At Equity Bank Uganda, we recognize their potential, which is why our focus is on financing integrated value chains, helping entrepreneurs manage cash flow, optimize operations, and unlock growth from the farmers in the villages to the traders at the markets.”
Claver Serumaga, executive director of Equity Bank Uganda, highlighted that the forum is central to the bank’s mission to bring financial solutions and business support directly to SMEs.
He also noted the bank’s commitment to creating seamless banking experiences through innovations like real-time payments, bulk salary processing, and unsecured supplier financing of up to Shs 1.5 billion.
Pastor Robert Kayanja shared a personal testimony on the bank’s impact in Karamoja, where it supported his church in its fight against hunger by financing agricultural projects. His story demonstrated how the bank’s support extends beyond financial services to inspire social change.
Adding an economic perspective, Dr. Fred Muhumuza, a senior lecturer at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), stressed the importance of the bank’s focus on value chains.
“In business, your success is tied to every link in your value chain,” he said. “That’s why Equity bank works to finance the entire chain, so every link is strong… Equity bank connects and supports each link, making sure SMEs can grow sustainably and seize every opportunity.”