Equity Bank Extends SME Support in Arua Through Tupange Business Ne Equity

Arua, Uganda– Equity Bank Uganda has pledged to continue strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Nile region through its nationwide Tupange Business Ne Equity forums. The latest engagement in Arua was held under the theme “Financing Integrated Value Chains and SME Growth,” attracting entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business partners.

Driving Transformation

Opening the forum, Charles Orodriyo, Equity Bank Arua Branch Manager, said the initiative mirrors the bank’s vision of transforming lives. He urged business owners to embrace innovation and personal growth:

“At Equity Bank, we want to transform lives and communities. I encourage entrepreneurs in Arua to embrace change and grow both in their businesses and in their personal lives,” Orodriyo remarked.

Representing the Executive Director, Robert Wanok, Head of Retail Banking, highlighted the bank’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, structured around three pillars: commercial banking, social impact through the Equity Foundation, and sustainability. He pointed to agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade, and MSMEs as Uganda’s key growth sectors, reaffirming Equity’s commitment to empower entrepreneurs with financial and digital solutions across regional trade corridors.

Lessons for SMEs

Regional Manager Peter Ssemakalu used a Northern Uganda proverb to illustrate SME potential: “A goat can feed a family, but only if it does not eat your crops.” He likened this to businesses, saying the right guidance and financing can unlock jobs, value, and profitability.

Keynote speaker Draecabo Trinity Ceasar, Chairperson of the Ayivu Development Agency, advised SMEs to build stronger ties with banks. He compared consistent engagement with bankers to daily reading of the Bible, stressing the need for discipline, collaboration, resource management, and long-term partnerships for sustained growth.

Tackling SME Challenges

Discussions revealed hurdles facing SMEs in the region, including selling raw produce without value addition, poor record-keeping, informality, and weak market linkages. Experts recommended integrating value chains, enhancing financial literacy, and forming partnerships to help businesses tap into larger opportunities — including those presented by West Nile’s significant refugee market.

Tailored Financial Solutions

Equity Bank showcased a suite of SME-focused financial products, among them:

• Easy Stock Financing for retailers and distributors
• Grain Trader Financing for aggregators
• Easy Float Financing for mobile money agents
• Asset and Vehicle Financing for equipment needs
• Unsecured credit for contractors and suppliers with verified contracts

Recognizing Business Champions

The event concluded with the SME Awards 2025, honoring outstanding performers in the Greater North. Winners included:

• Madi West-Nile Diocese – SME Business Influencer Award
• Cress Africa Foundation Limited – SME Customer Loyalty Award
• Kuluva Hospital – SME Ecosystem Customer Award

Through this initiative, Equity Bank reaffirmed its role as a long-term partner for SMEs, committed to unlocking growth, resilience, and stronger business ecosystems in Uganda.