EBO SACCO, Equity Bank Join Hands to Deepen Financial Inclusion

EBO SACCO has entered into a partnership with Equity Bank aimed at improving access to financial services for communities that have long been excluded from the formal banking system.

The collaboration, structured under a linkage banking model, connects EBO SACCO members to Equity Bank’s financial network, enabling them to access enhanced banking services, including higher-value loans, secure savings platforms, and digital payment solutions.

EBO SACCO Chief Executive Officer Joseph Mugume said the partnership aligns with the SACCO’s long-standing mission of empowering members through affordable and reliable financial services.

“Our focus has always been on supporting people at the grassroots,” Mugume said. “This partnership allows our members to grow without losing the cooperative spirit that EBO was built on.”

Established in 2000 in Bwizibwera Town Board along the Mbarara–Ibanda highway, EBO SACCO started as a small community effort and has grown steadily over the years. Today, it operates in more than 35 districts, serving farmers, traders, and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Mugume explained that EBO’s loan products are designed to meet the everyday needs of its members, particularly those involved in agriculture and informal businesses.

“We design our services around what our members do for a living,” he said. “When their income grows, the whole community benefits.”

The partnership has also supported EBO SACCO’s shift toward digital banking, making transactions faster and more secure, especially for members in rural areas. Services such as digital payments and card-based transactions have reduced travel costs and improved convenience.

Equity Bank’s involvement has further strengthened EBO SACCO’s governance and compliance systems, boosting confidence among members and regulators. This progress was recently recognized when EBO SACCO received the 2025 Equity Bank Pinnacle Award.

According to Mugume, the recognition reflects years of commitment to transparency and accountability.

“You cannot grow a financial institution without trust,” he said. “Protecting our members’ savings will always come first.”

With expansion plans extending into new regions, EBO SACCO says the partnership with Equity Bank will continue to play a key role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting sustainable economic growth.