Equity Bank Uganda and Unilever Uganda have announced a strategic financing partnership aimed at empowering distributors and streamlining business transactions across Uganda. The strategic partnership offers affordable working capital through the Eazzystock Financing Product, empowering distributors to maintain optimal inventory, improve cash flow, and strengthen supply chains across Uganda.
The partnership, unveiled at the Equity-Uniliver Distributors Breakfast Engagement at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Thursday, promises to unlock working capital for Unilever’s distribution partners and drive inclusive economic growth.
This solution is tailored specifically for businesses within Unilever’s distribution network—distributors, retailers, and stockists. With flexible loans ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 3 billion, a simple sign-up process, quarterly reviews, and low-cost drawdowns (1.15% plus 0.05% insurance), the product ensures accessibility, with no collateral required for amounts up to UGX 1 billion.
Opening the session, Equity Bank Head Corporate Banking, Christine Mukasa Mugerwa, emphasised Equity’s purpose: “As Equity Bank, our mission is to transform lives, give dignity, and expand opportunities for wealth creation. This partnership speaks directly to that purpose.”
She added, “Feedback is a gift—good, bad, or ugly. We’re here for it all. Our vision is to champion socio-economic prosperity for the people of Africa.”
Christine urged Unilever’s partners to engage directly with the bank’s team, noting, “Don’t think what you are doing is small. From the grassroots to Kampala, we’re here to grow together. That bar of soap matters. So, how do we ensure it reaches the people who need it, while transforming the shop attendant’s life in the process?”
She added, “You need funds that move as fast as your business. Equity’s working capital solutions — tailored for real-world businesses like those in the Unilever ecosystem- are quick, convenient, and require just a one-time sign-up. Access up to UGX 3 billion.”
Timely Partnership
The partnership comes at a time when Unilever Uganda has demonstrated sustained growth.
Luck Ochieng, Unilever East Africa’s General Manager, addressed attendees virtually, highlighting Uganda’s outstanding business performance: “Through key partnerships in trade and distribution, we are building a programme to boost business growth, with support from Equity Bank across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.”
“The Uganda business has posted more than 30% year-on-year growth over the last 3–4 years. The demand remains strong and the future looks promising, especially with new opportunities like hydrocarbon exports.”
He explained that to sustain this momentum, distributors need better access to financing. “That’s why we are here—to work with Equity Bank to build a financial model that helps our trade partners grow alongside us.”
Ochieng commended Equity Bank’s track record of innovation and partnership across East Africa: “Equity is a bank that listens. From my experience back in Safaricom, their support was part of the reason for our success in Central Kenya. They bring speed, flexibility, and a deep understanding of business needs.”
Grace Nandawula, Head of Customer & Strategy Planning at Unilever Uganda, highlighted the company’s commitment to collaborative growth: “We are not just here with ideas—we are here with a plan and people to support execution. Our distributors are key to our success, and we are investing in them.”
Equity Bank’s Integrated Business Model
During the formal presentation, Christine Mukasa Mugerwa provided an overview of Equity Bank’s integrated business model: “We operate on three engines—economic, social, and environmental sustainability. While many banks have CSR departments, we have an entire engine dedicated to social transformation.”
She outlined Equity’s presence in six African countries and its wide network of 50 branches and over 6,000 agency banking outlets across Uganda.
On the financing solution itself, Barbara Aseera, Head of Manufacturing and Logistics, Equity Bank Uganda, said the Equity Bank and Unilever Uganda Strategic Financing Partnership is aimed at enhancing liquidity and operational efficiency within Unilever’s distribution network through a new financial product.
“This partnership facilitates easier access to affordable working capital, enabling Unilever’s distribution partners to maintain inventory levels, improve cash flow management, and ultimately strengthen the supply chain across Uganda,” she noted.
She presented the details of the distributor financing product: “This is unsecured financing of up to UGX 3 million per distributor, renewable for up to one year. Our goal is to enhance your stock turnover and support market expansion.”
She explained that the facility is built on real-time data sharing between Unilever and Equity Bank: “Once we have distributor performance data—with your consent—we can generate a score and pre-approve limits. Access is through a USSD code for speed and convenience.”
Barbara emphasised that the solution targets the entire distribution value chain, including retailers and informal sellers: “You, as a distributor, can unlock financing for your downstream partners, helping them buy from you in cash and increasing your performance.”
She concluded with a strong appeal: “We have committed capital. We are ready. Let us walk this journey with you and grow the Unilever distribution ecosystem (distributors, retailers, stockists) together.”
Attendees praised the initiative as timely and impactful. Many noted how difficult it has been to access affordable financing and welcomed the streamlined process.
The partnership is expected to significantly ease cash flow constraints, empower small businesses, and increase product availability across Uganda. It also reflects a broader trend of purpose-driven corporate partnerships focused on long-term shared prosperity.
