Dfcu Bank has taken a significant step towards driving economic growth and transformation in Uganda with the launch of the dfcu Foundation.
The Foundation, which was first established in 2017 as the Agribusiness Development Centre, has transitioned into a full-fledged foundation, aligning more closely with dfcu Bank’s mission to scale impact through enterprise development and expanded financial access.
“We’re not just offering support; we’re building a path. From diagnostics to training, finance, and markets, the dfcu Foundation is here to grow businesses that last,” Mabel Ndawula, the Executive Director, dfcu Foundation, said at the launch.
The Guest of Honour at the event, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for Animal Industry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support the dfcu Foundation agenda, saying, “We can no longer talk about commercial agriculture without talking about education, access to credit, and mechanisation. The dfcu Foundation comes at the right time to cover the gaps and help our farmers walk the talk.”
On his part, Martin Kananura, the founder, Rwenjeru Demo Farm, said, “As a teacher, I once taught young people. Now I teach the community because knowledge should never stop flowing.”
Platform for Transformation
The dfcu Foundation’s launch took place at Rwenjeru Afro-Tourism Demo and Training Farm in Mbarara, a model of innovation, sustainable farming, and community empowerment.
The farm showcases the potential for transformation in rural Uganda, with initiatives such as irrigation systems, animal husbandry, youth training programs, and environmental conservation.
Contributing to Economic Growth
The dfcu Foundation’s initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to economic growth in Uganda. By providing business diagnostics, mentorship, and access to affordable financing, the Foundation will help rural entrepreneurs and SMEs grow their businesses, creating jobs and increasing incomes.
The Foundation’s focus on women and youth will also help to promote inclusivity and social development.
Key Areas of Focus
The dfcu Foundation will focus on several key areas, including:
Enterprise Development
Providing business diagnostics, mentorship, and access to affordable financing to rural entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Financial Access
Expanding financial access to rural communities, promoting financial inclusion and economic growth.
Environmental Conservation
Launching a tree planting program targeting 500,000 trees across 5 regions, promoting environmental conservation and sustainability.
Market Access
Creating pathways to markets for rural entrepreneurs and SMEs, helping them to grow their businesses and increase their incomes.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The dfcu Foundation is working closely with cooperatives, SACCOs, local governments, and development partners to ensure that its interventions are inclusive, locally grounded, and nationally aligned. The Foundation has also partnered with World Navi Uganda to enable transport solutions that strengthen agricultural value chains.
Impact of dcu Foundation
The dfcu Foundation’s initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on economic growth and transformation in Uganda. Over the next five years, the Foundation aims to:
Reaching over 100,000 direct beneficiaries with a focus on 60% women and 40% youth.
Launching a tree planting program, targeting 500,000 trees across 5 regions.
Providing business diagnostics and mentorship, helping rural entrepreneurs and SMEs grow their businesses.
Creating pathways to markets by helping rural entrepreneurs and SMEs access markets and increase their incomes.
The launch of the dfcu Foundation is a significant step towards driving economic growth and transformation in Uganda.
With its focus on enterprise development, financial access, environmental conservation, and market access, the Foundation is well-positioned to make a positive impact on rural communities and the broader economy.