• A two-year partnership will support women entrepreneurs with finance and training
• The initiative targets underserved and refugee-hosting communities
• Similar programmes have already been implemented in Rwanda

UN Women and Equity Bank Uganda have signed a partnership agreement to support women-led businesses in Uganda, according to announcements made by both institutions. The initiative, launched in Kampala, will run from 2026 to 2028 and aims to expand access to financial and non-financial services for women entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved and refugee-hosting communities.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive financial literacy training, entrepreneurship support and improved access to banking services, including savings and credit facilities. The initiative also includes support for agribusiness activities and cooperatives, as well as the promotion of digital financial tools to strengthen business operations.

According to the partners, the programme is designed to address barriers faced by women in accessing finance and scaling their businesses. Women account for a significant share of small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda, particularly in trade and services, but often face constraints related to limited collateral, restricted access to formal credit and low levels of financial inclusion.

The partnership also seeks to promote economic inclusion in refugee-hosting areas, where access to financial services remains limited. Uganda hosts a large refugee population, and the programme aims to integrate women in these communities into formal economic systems through targeted financial and capacity-building support.

This initiative follows similar collaboration between UN Women Rwanda and Equity Bank Rwanda, where programmes have been implemented to improve women’s access to finance and business development services.

Officials from both institutions indicate that the Uganda programme will build on these experiences, with a focus on expanding outreach and improving the effectiveness of support provided to women entrepreneurs.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang