Distributors across Uganda are set to benefit from a groundbreaking partnership between Equity Bank Uganda and Unilever Uganda, which was deepened during a high-impact breakfast meeting held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Thursday.
The event marked the rollout of Eazzystock Financing, a product tailored to help Unilever’s distribution network maintain optimal inventory levels, improve cash flow, and strengthen last-mile delivery.
With flexible loan amounts ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 3 billion, zero collateral required for amounts under UGX 1 billion, and low-cost drawdowns (1.15% plus 0.05% insurance), the product promises to revolutionise access to working capital for distributors, retailers, and stockists.
“Equity Walked With Us”
Among the highlights was an emotional testimony from Mr Nuhu Kanyike, Managing Director of Falkan Investments Ltd., who recounted his personal journey with Equity Bank.
“It was around 2017,” Kanyike began, “my wife and I had been moving from bank to bank, chasing a $1 million guarantee. We only had 50% security, and none of the banks would help us.”
“Then, by accident, someone told me, ‘Why haven’t you tried Equity?’ We had another account with them, and good enough, my brother here at Equity welcomed us. We opened an account and started trading—and that changed everything.”
By 2019, another million-dollar opportunity emerged, but time was tight. Equity Bank once again stepped up. “They didn’t focus on what we didn’t have. They focused on our track record. Within two weeks—yes, two weeks—they gave us the guarantee, with the condition that we would cover the balance over a year. That was unheard of.”
Beyond financing, Mr. Kanyike described how Equity collaborated with his company to build a rural agent banking network tailored to distributor operations:
“They helped us identify agent touchpoints along our distribution routes. Where agents didn’t exist, Equity placed them—and ensured they had float.” “It was as if they knew exactly what we needed. They even extended overdraft-like support to agents in hard-to-reach areas. That’s partnership.”
Reflecting on their relationship today, he added, “Equity doesn’t just look at one side of your business. They look at you in totality. Whether it’s your warehouse, ranching ambitions, or house purchase plans—they are there to help you grow.”
Isuzu Uganda Offers Fleet Solutions for Distributors
Margaret Murangi, Senior Sales Consultant at Isuzu Uganda, thanked Unilever and Equity for the opportunity to engage with distributors. “Distributors need reliable, durable, and fuel-efficient vehicles. Our trucks and pickups are built for Africa’s diverse terrain—hilly, dusty, muddy—you name it.”
She presented vehicle solutions designed for Uganda’s rugged terrain. “Our pickups and trucks are built to endure dusty, muddy, hilly conditions—and still remain fuel efficient,” she noted. “Some models consume as little as 9 litres per 100km and go 15,000km before needing service.”
She highlighted the advantages of Isuzu’s products: fuel-efficient vehicles (some models use as little as 9 litres per 100km), extended service intervals (service every 15,000km versus 5,000km for others—huge savings for your business) and long vehicle lifespans:
“We have customers using 20-year-old Isuzus still going strong. Imagine what a brand-new one can do. Through Equity Bank’s asset financing, you don’t need to drain your working capital. The truck becomes the collateral. Plus, we offer driver training and real-time tracking tools.”
She emphasised that through Equity’s asset financing, vehicles become their own collateral. “You keep your working capital intact. Plus, we provide training, tracking, and after-sales support in Gulu, Hoima, Mbale, and Mbarara.”
Equity Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Tailored SME Solutions
Gerald Tentena, General Manager of Equity’s Supreme Branch, highlighted the bank’s deliberate and responsive model: “This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We design solutions to meet the exact needs of Unilever’s distributor network.”
Olivia Mugaba, Head of SME Banking, closed the session with a promise of action: “We brought doers to this event—people with a track record of delivering. If they approach you, engage them. We’re watching to ensure follow-through.”
She also delivered remarks on behalf of Executive Director Gift Shoko, who expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to delivering measurable value through this partnership.
She encouraged the distributors to embrace Bank products. “The Bank offers flexible working capital financing ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 3 billion for Unilever distributors and others in the supply chain. With a simple, one-time sign-up process and auto-sweep functionality on accounts, access to funds is both seamless and efficient.”
