dfcu Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s small and medium enterprises through deeper engagement with business owners and practical solutions that respond to the realities of running and growing a business.
Speaking at a Kyusa Level SME Customer Dine-Out held at dfcu Bank’s Namanve Branch, which brought together customers from the Namanve and Mukono business communities, Simon Peter Kiwanuka, Chief Compliance Officer and Money Laundering Control Officer (MLCO) at dfcu Bank, said meaningful banking relationships are built on understanding customers’ ambitions as well as the challenges they face in pursuing them.
“Businesses across Namanve and Mukono are driving economic activity, creating jobs and investing in the future. Through engagements like this, we gain a better understanding of the realities they face and how we can support their ambitions with solutions that are relevant to their stage of growth,“ he said.
The engagement formed part of dfcu Bank’s Kyusa Level campaign, an ongoing initiative designed to help SMEs identify and pursue their next stage of growth.
According to Kiwanuka, progress looks different for every business.
For some, it may mean expanding operations, improving efficiency, investing in productive assets or pursuing new market opportunities, but all require the right support and partnership to succeed.
He noted that businesses across Namanve and Mukono continue to play a vital role in driving economic activity, creating employment and contributing to Uganda’s development, despite operating in an increasingly demanding environment characterized by rising costs, working-capital pressures and the constant need to invest for future growth.
The engagement provided an opportunity for dfcu Bank’s management and staff to hear directly from customers, understand emerging business needs and discuss practical ways of supporting enterprise growth.
A major theme emerging from the discussions was the need for SMEs to have reliable access to financing, productive assets and business protection solutions.
William Kayongo, Head of Enterprise Banking at dfcu Bank, highlighted a range of financing solutions available to SMEs, including facilities designed to support day-to-day business operations, expansion plans and long-term growth objectives.
He also outlined dfcu‘s continued support for SACCOs and investment clubs through solutions that help groups manage savings and access financing opportunities.
Beyond access to financing, discussions also focused on the practical requirements of business growth, including the acquisition of productive assets and the protection of business investments. Customers engaged with dfcu specialists on vehicle and asset finance solutions, while dfcu’s Vehicle and Asset Finance partner, Double Q Company, participated in the engagement with a showcase of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment relevant to growing businesses.
The conversations also highlighted the importance of protecting assets, managing risk and safeguarding investments as businesses expand, underscoring the role of insurance and risk-management solutions in supporting long-term growth.
The Kyusa Level series continues to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage directly with dfcu Bank, share insights from their industries and explore solutions tailored to their growth ambitions.
About dfcu
dfcuwas established in 1964 as a development finance institution. Over the years dfcuhas been associated with many success stories in Uganda’s economy in various sectors including agribusiness, communication, education, health, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, mining, construction, transport, trade and commerce, among others.
Key Milestones
1964: dfcu Limited established by the Government of Uganda and the CDC
1999: Bought Uganda Leasing Company, renamed it dfcuLeasing.
2000: Bought Global Trust Bank, renamed it dfcuBank, and started commercial banking.
2004:dfcuLimited was listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange.
2008: Merged its two businesses (Development Finance and dfcuBank) to create a “one-stop shop “under dfcuBank.
2007: Launched dfcu Women In Business
2013: Realignment of shareholders bringing on board a strategic partner – Rabobank, with significant experience in
agribusiness
2014: Consolidated business operations into our Head Office – dfcu Towers.
2014: dfcu Bank acquired some assets and took over some liabilities of Global Trust Bank (In Liquidation)
2015: Launched the Women In Business Advisory Centre
2016: Aligned shareholding with Rabobank, Norfund and FMO combining to form Arise which is committed to strengthening and developing effective, inclusive financial systems in Africa with a long-term perspective.
