Equity Bank Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through its flagship customer engagement initiative, “Tupange Business Ne Equity”, which brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, traders, and community leaders for its third regional event on Tuesday.
Following successful engagements in Arua and Mbale, the Fort Portal event marked a significant milestone in the campaign, designed to provide practical financial literacy, capacity building, and networking opportunities to SMEs—the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Speaking at the event, Felix Babeiha, Fort Portal Branch Manager at Equity Bank, emphasised the bank’s customer-first philosophy: “At Equity Bank, we value each and every customer and are committed to giving them dignity in whatever aspect of life they do business.”
Driving SME Resilience and Innovation
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Alex Ariho (PhD), CEO of the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) and Founding Director of Excel Hort Consult Agribusiness Incubator Ltd. (EHCAI), called for SMEs to embrace innovation, collaboration, and skill development. “SMEs represent 90% of businesses globally and, in Uganda, they have the potential to generate up to 80% of employment. If you succeed, the economy succeeds,” Prof. Ariho said.
He urged entrepreneurs to adopt a growth mindset, prioritize value addition, and build resilient business models to withstand market disruptions.
Strengthening the Backbone of the Economy
Olivia Mugaba, Head of SMEs at Equity Bank Uganda, echoed this sentiment, describing SMEs as “the heartbeat of Uganda’s economic transformation.” “Together, we must support and strengthen this backbone of our economy,” she said, pledging continued support for SME financing, advisory, and access to markets.
Robert Wanok, Head of Retail and Corporate Banking at Equity Bank Uganda, reflected on the institution’s customer-centric approach: “We’ve taken deliberate steps to listen closely to our customers’ feedback. Through internal accountability and service enhancement, we’ve positioned ourselves to serve our clients better.”
Recognizing Business Leadership and Loyalty
Equity Bank also used the platform to celebrate outstanding local business leaders contributing to regional economic development.
Mubunga Samuel, Managing Director of Mubunga Investments Multipurpose Co. Ltd., received the SME Ecosystem Customer Award.
Prof. Edward Bitanywaine Rugumayo, founder of Tooro Botanical Gardens, was presented the SME Customer Loyalty Award.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Reuben Kisembo of the Rwenzori Diocese received the SME Business Influencer Award for his impact in promoting ethical business leadership.
These awards highlighted the vital role of leadership, influence, and commitment in nurturing sustainable SME ecosystems.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Closing the event, Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investments at Equity Bank Uganda, emphasised the bank’s inclusive approach: “At Equity, we support the entire value chain—from anchor businesses to the smallest players. Our commitment is to walk alongside you on your growth journey.”
As Uganda continues to prioritise SME development as a key driver of its economic agenda, Equity Bank’s “Tupange Business Ne Equity” campaign stands out as a practical and impactful initiative aligning financial services with grassroots entrepreneurship.