Agriculture is Uganda’s heartbeat—feeding families, creating jobs, and driving exports. Yet, for most smallholder farmers, accessing affordable loans remains a distant dream.
Traditional banks ask for collateral many rural farmers simply don’t have. That gap is where FINCA Uganda steps in, boldly rewriting the rules of agricultural finance.
Since 2011, FINCA Uganda has quietly empowered over 50,000 farmers, disbursing more than UGX 100 billion in agricultural loans. These aren’t your typical loans either. FINCA designs flexible packages that mirror the realities of seasonal farming incomes.
The result? More farmers are expanding operations, boosting incomes, and building resilient livelihoods.
One shining example is Tadeo Kasumba, a coffee farmer from Mityana. When he approached FINCA eight years ago, he had only three acres of land.
Today, he owns a thriving 15-acre farm, employs over eight workers, and runs a wholesale business. He’s bought a car, built a home, and inspired others in his community. His story is just one among thousands.
“We support the entire agricultural value chain,” says Morice Kizito, FINCA Uganda’s Agricultural Lending Manager. “From crop farming and livestock to poultry and aquaculture—we meet farmers where they are, especially during the production stage where they face the most risk.”
But FINCA isn’t stopping at loans. Through strategic partnerships—such as with the Agricultural Business Initiative (aBi) Finance and the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company (UECCC)—the institution is promoting climate-smart agriculture.
Farmers now access solar-powered irrigation systems, cold storage, and energy-efficient milling tools that cut emissions while boosting productivity.
“We’re building resilience,” says Morice. “It’s not just about getting farmers loans. It’s about helping them thrive in the face of climate change, price fluctuations, and unpredictable weather.”
FINCA’s strategy includes:
- Flexible repayment plans aligned with harvest seasons
- Risk assessments that consider all household income sources
- Promoting mixed farming to stabilize income streams
- Introducing agricultural insurance and regenerative practices like drought-resistant seedlings
The future? Even more ambitious. FINCA plans to scale climate initiatives, deploy on-ground farmer agents, and deepen access to renewable energy solutions in remote areas.
Their vision is clear: to ensure Ugandan farmers not only survive but thrive—and in doing so, transform entire communities.
As the country leans on agriculture to power its recovery and growth, FINCA Uganda stands out as a game-changer, proving that inclusive finance is not just possible—it’s powerful.
