Centenary Bank Champions Strategic Financing for SMEs at SWITCH Conference 2026

Centenary Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Uganda’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), calling for a shift from traditional lending to strategic financing that promotes long-term business success.

The message was delivered by the Bank’s Executive Director, Business, Joseph Kiwanuka Balikuddembe, during the SWITCH Conference 2026, hosted by Ascenify Uganda at Four Points by Sheraton. Centenary Bank was the main sponsor of the conference, which brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators to discuss practical strategies for unlocking the growth potential of SMEs.

Speaking under the theme “Networking for Success,” Balikuddembe challenged both financial institutions and entrepreneurs to rethink how businesses are financed.

“Strategic financing means understanding the business before providing capital. It’s about structuring solutions that fit the customer’s needs and support sustainable growth,” he said.

He noted that while access to finance remains important, it is often not the biggest obstacle facing SMEs.

“Governance, business planning, and understanding cash flows are the critical factors that determine whether a business will succeed in the long term,” Balikuddembe explained.

He urged entrepreneurs to build strong business foundations and encouraged financial institutions to go beyond providing loans by offering tailored financial solutions that address the unique needs of each enterprise.

Balikuddembe also reaffirmed Centenary Bank’s purpose of transforming lives through inclusive financial services. He said the bank remains committed to supporting underserved communities, including women, youth, farmers, refugees, and SMEs, through accessible financing, business training, and strategic partnerships.

The SWITCH Conference 2026 served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration aimed at strengthening Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerating sustainable business growth.