The future of Uganda’s microfinance and savings sector took center stage at the 3rd Annual National Microfinance and Savings Groups Conference, held at Hotel Africana, in Kampala this week.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Financial Inclusion for Environmental, Economic and Social Impact,” the two-day event brought together policymakers, practitioners, and development partners to address the rapid transformation occurring within the financial services sector.
FINCA Uganda Limited (MDI) played a prominent role in the conference, reaffirming its commitment to responsible and inclusive finance that drives equitable growth across the country.
Call for Responsible Finance and Sustainable Partnerships
James Onyutta, Managing Director of FINCA Uganda and Board President of the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU), delivered the welcoming remarks, setting the tone for the discussions. He highlighted the confluence of factors reshaping the sector, saying, “We meet at a moment when the financial services sector is undergoing rapid transformation: the demand for responsible finance is rising; technology is reshaping service delivery; and communities expect institutions to be not only providers of credit, but partners in sustainable, equitable development that improves the quality of lives.”
Onyutta’s comments underscore the growing necessity for financial institutions to embed social and environmental objectives into their core business models, moving beyond transactional services to become true catalysts for community well-being.
Policy Support and Digital Imperatives
The government’s perspective, delivered by the Chief Guest, Hon. Haruna Kasolo Kyeyune, Minister of State for Microfinance and Small Enterprises, strongly supported the sector’s vital role.
The Minister emphasised that microfinance is crucial for bridging financial gaps and advancing inclusion across the country.
Crucially, he highlighted the importance of a modernised regulatory environment, citing digitisation and the National Payment System Act as key enablers necessary for ensuring financial services are both accessible and efficient for the wider Ugandan population.
This sentiment was echoed in the keynote address by Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury. Ggoobi acknowledged the profound social role of the sector, noting that, “In Uganda, where the entrepreneurial spirit remains very vibrant, microfinance has served as a bridge connecting ambition, achievement, and potential prosperity.”
Empowerment and Equitable Growth
FINCA Uganda’s participation at the conference reinforced its institutional mission, which is to champion responsible, inclusive, and sustainable finance that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
By actively engaging in dialogues on environmental, economic, and social impact, FINCA and its peers are ensuring that the microfinance sector remains a vibrant and relevant force in Uganda’s economy, focused not just on providing credit but also on facilitating sustainable pathways to prosperity for all.