FINCA Uganda has officially launched a Shs100 million relief initiative to support traders in downtown Kampala whose businesses were devastated by the severe flash floods of October and November 2025.
The initiative, announced during a press conference at the Fairway Hotel today, marks a critical intervention for the city’s business hub, where heavy rains submerged several arcades, destroying inventory and halting commercial activity.
For FINCA Uganda, the relief fund is rooted in a philosophy of partnership that extends beyond traditional banking.
Regional Manager Muhamad Isiko emphasised that the institution views the setbacks of its clients as a shared responsibility.
Eva Balikowa, Chief Commercial Officer, reinforced this by stating that FINCA’s role is to empower Ugandan entrepreneurs to grow even in the face of adversity, guided by empathy and a long-term view of community resilience.
Precision On The Ground
To ensure the funds reach the most affected individuals, FINCA partnered with Ismail Balikowa from Padre Pio Insurance to conduct rigorous on-ground assessments. The team worked directly in downtown Kampala to verify affected borrowers and facilitate the support process.
The human impact of the disaster was highlighted by Charlotte Owomugisha, a businesswoman whose shop in the French Plaza basement was destroyed.
“This relief has renewed my hope of recovering my business,” she shared, noting that the support provides a vital starting point for rebuilding.
Restoring Trade Confidence
The intervention has been warmly received by the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA). Hajji Isa Ssekitto, the Acting Chairperson of KACITA, praised the timeliness of the relief, noting that it is essential for restoring confidence among traders who suffered significant losses during the 2025 flood cycle.
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of a Shs100M dummy cheque to KCITA.
Robert Kakande, the Executive Director of FINCA Uganda, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to the trading community, describing FINCA as the heartbeat of the Ugandan economy.
Important to note, however, is that ty providing this financial cushion, FINCA Uganda is not only helping individual traders recover but also contributing to the overall stability of the downtown Kampala ecosystem.