Equity Bank has kicked off its 2025 “Tupange Business ne Equity” series in Kampala, empowering small and medium enterprises with the tools, skills, and financial backing they need to grow, thrive, and compete in Uganda’s dynamic business landscape.
Kampala, Uganda | Equity Bank Uganda has officially launched the 2025 Tupange Business ne Equity Nationwide Forum, reinforcing its commitment to bringing financial solutions and business support closer to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
Held Thursday at Hotel Africana, the annual forum, timed after the national budget reading, aims to tackle SME challenges while promoting growth in areas such as credit access, innovation, and market linkages. Olivia Mugaba, Head of SME at Equity Bank Uganda, underscored the sector’s significance: “SMEs run the world they are the heartbeat of our economy, creating seven out of every ten jobs globally. At Equity Bank Uganda, we empower SMEs to manage cash flow, optimise operations, and unlock growth from the top anchor to the last mile. When we empower SMEs, we empower the nation.”
The 2025 forum, themed “Financing Integrated Value Chains and SME Growth,” focuses on strengthening business linkages along entire value chains, connecting farmers, traders, and distributors. Following Kampala, the roadshow will move to Mbale on August 19, Arua on August 21, and later Fort Portal and Hoima in September.
Claver Serumaga, Executive Director of Equity Bank Uganda, highlighted the bank’s mission to provide seamless banking experiences for SMEs. “Through real-time payments, bulk salary processing, and unsecured supplier financing up to UGX 1.5 billion, we equip entrepreneurs with tools for sustainable growth,” he said. Serumaga also introduced new digital solutions, including the Pay with Equity platform, designed to simplify daily transactions and cash flow management for businesses of all sizes.
The event showcased interactive sessions where entrepreneurs learned how integrated financing strengthens supply chains. Equity Bank Relationship Managers were on hand to guide clients through practical financial solutions, demonstrating how SMEs can scale efficiently while enhancing every link of their business ecosystem.
Inspiring testimonies highlighted the bank’s broader impact. Pastor Robert Kayanja, Founder of Miracle Centre Cathedral, praised Equity Bank for supporting agricultural and community projects in Karamoja, demonstrating how financial partnerships can drive both business success and social change. Economic insights were provided by Dr. Fred Muhumuza of Makerere University Business School, who emphasized that value chain financing ensures every link from suppliers to traders remains strong and sustainable.
Building on the success of the 2024 edition, which reached over 600 SMEs nationwide, the 2025 forum aims to support more than 1,000 businesses by year-end. The initiative aligns with Uganda’s economic growth strategy for 2025/2026, focusing on commercial agriculture, industrialization, digital transformation, and market access, while also contributing to post-COVID recovery through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Uganda’s SME sector represents over 90% of private sector activity, employing millions, yet faces challenges including inflation, limited collateral, and low digital adoption. Through the Tupange Business ne Equity series, Equity Bank Uganda continues to act as a catalyst for national development, demonstrating that strong SMEs translate into a thriving economy.