KCB Bank Uganda has officially joined the Women Entrepreneurs Finance (WE Finance) Code, a national initiative designed to address gender disparities in access to finance and strengthen institutional support for women-led enterprises across the country.
The bank’s participation follows an invitation from the National Coalition, which includes the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Bank of Uganda, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, and the World Bank. After a comprehensive review process, KCB Bank Uganda submitted its Commitment Letter and confirmed its participation ahead of the official launch event.
The WE Finance Code brings together key stakeholders, regulators, financial institutions, development partners, and private-sector actors to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
According to UN Women (2020), women-owned businesses represent only about 30% of all enterprises in Uganda and face persistent challenges such as limited collateral, constrained access to credit, and restrictive financial systems.
Speaking at the official launch held at the Serena Hotel, Miranda Bageine Musoke, Head of Retail Banking at KCB Bank Uganda, emphasised the bank’s commitment to delivering inclusive financial solutions tailored to the needs of women-led businesses.
“Women entrepreneurs contribute substantially to Uganda’s economic growth, yet many continue to struggle with accessing the financing necessary to realise their full potential. By signing the WE Finance Code, we affirm our dedication to creating products and partnerships that will empower women to succeed,” she stated.
The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs remain significant, with only 7% able to access formal financial channels, according to a 2020 report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This gap underscores the importance of national frameworks like the WE Finance Code that seek to transform institutional practices and expand financial inclusion.
Through its commitment to the Code, KCB Bank Uganda will actively contribute to the national agenda of enhancing financial inclusion, improving institutional responsiveness to women entrepreneurs, and supporting the growth of women-led businesses.
The bank will leverage its regional experience, digital capabilities, and enterprise development programmes to empower women across diverse sectors.
This initiative reinforces KCB Bank Uganda’s position as a leader in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and in championing efforts that drive meaningful economic empowerment for all.
