Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering small and medium enterprise (SME) growth across the country through its “Tupange Business Ne Equity” customer engagement campaign.
The third regional summit, held at Nyaika Hotel in Fort Portal, brought together entrepreneurs, traders, and community leaders to network, share ideas, and explore innovative solutions for business growth and regional economic development.
Building on successful events in Arua and Mbale, the Fort Portal engagement created a platform for SMEs to learn from experts, exchange experiences, and receive guidance on overcoming challenges in Uganda’s competitive business environment.
Felix Babeiha, Equity Bank’s Branch Manager in Fort Portal, welcomed participants, emphasising the bank’s customer-centred approach: “At Equity Bank, we value every customer and are committed to giving them dignity in whatever aspect of life they do business. Today’s event is our way of giving back and appreciating your trust in us.”
Innovation and Collaboration for SME Growth
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Alex Ariho, CEO of the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), urged SMEs to embrace innovation, skills development, and collaboration to secure long-term growth.
“SMEs represent 90% of businesses worldwide and could generate up to 80% of Uganda’s employment opportunities if properly supported,” he said. “If you succeed, the economy succeeds.”
Prof. Ariho called for value addition, resilience, and a growth-oriented mindset among entrepreneurs, stressing that SMEs are vital to driving socio-economic transformation.
Celebrating SME Champions
The event also recognised outstanding contributors to the SME ecosystem.
SME Ecosystem Customer Award: Mubunga Samuel, Managing Director, Mubunga Investments Multipurpose Co. Ltd.
SME Customer Loyalty Award: Prof. Edward Bitanywaine Rugumayo, Tooro Botanical Gardens.
SME Business Influencer Award: Rt. Rev. Bishop Reuben Kisembo, Rwenzori Diocese.
These awards celebrated leadership, innovation, and community impact in strengthening regional business networks.
Equity Bank’s Customer-Centred Growth Journey
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investments, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs at every level of the value chain.
“SMEs are the backbone of our economy, contributing 90% of private sector production and creating jobs for millions. At Equity, we support everyone—from anchor businesses to the smallest players—ensuring that everyone grows together.”
Robert Wanok, Head of Retail–Corporate Banking, reflected on Equity Bank’s transformation: “Equity Bank’s journey has always been guided by our customers. Through internal reforms and accountability, we have improved service delivery because customer feedback is at the heart of everything we do.”
He further outlined the bank’s growth: 50 branches in Uganda serving 2.1 million customers, making Equity the country’s second-largest bank by accounts, operations in seven African countries and a new representative office in Dubai to boost SME trade and plans to expand into 14 more African markets by 2030 to drive trade and socio-economic integration.
A Call for Collaboration
Olivia Mugaba, Head of SMEs at Equity Bank Uganda, underscored the importance of collaboration: “SMEs are the heartbeat of economies—creating 7 out of 10 new jobs worldwide. But 53 out of 100 SMEs in Uganda fail within three years. We must work together to strengthen this backbone of our economy.”
The Fort Portal summit closed with a renewed commitment from Equity Bank and its partners to champion innovation, financing, and inclusive growth for Uganda’s SMEs.
