Equity Bank Uganda has kicked off its 2025 Tupange Business ne Equity Nationwide Forum, a transformative initiative designed to supercharge Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through innovative financial technology and integrated value chain financing.
Launched at Hotel Africana in Kampala, the forum is set to empower over 1,000 SMEs by year-end, aligning with Uganda’s 2025/2026 economic growth strategy focused on digital transformation, commercial agriculture, and market access.
Under the theme “Financing Integrated Value Chains and SME Growth,” this year’s forum emphasizes creating seamless connections across supply chains to drive business scalability. Olivia Mugaba, Head of SME at Equity Bank Uganda, underscored the critical role of SMEs: “They’re the heartbeat of our economy, generating seven out of ten jobs globally. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs with tools to optimize cash flow, streamline operations, and unlock growth from anchor to last mile.”
The forum introduces a suite of tech-driven banking solutions tailored for SMEs. Claver Serumaga, Executive Director of Equity Bank Uganda, highlighted innovations like real-time payments, bulk salary processing, and unsecured supplier financing up to UGX 1.5 billion.
Innovation took center stage as Serumaga introduced a revamped, cutting-edge banking technology solution, stating: “At Equity Bank, we bring banking closer to SMEs- from agents and POS services to our soon-to-launch Pay with Equity platform, making daily cash flow and transactions seamless for business growth.”
The technological advancement has been specially updated to empower even the smallest businesses to manage finances and transactions with ease, with Serumaga noting: “Additionally, with cutting-edge internet banking, ERP integration, real-time supplier financing, and tailored SME support, Equity Bank is giving entrepreneurs the tools to thrive, scale, and lead Uganda’s business future.”
Interactive sessions at the launch showcased how integrated financing strengthens supply chains, with Equity Bank’s Relationship Managers offering hands-on advisory services. The event also featured inspiring stories, including Pastor Robert Kayanja’s testimony about the bank’s support for agricultural projects in Karamoja, transforming communities through financed tractors and social enterprises.
Dr. Fred Muhumuza, keynote speaker and Senior Lecturer at Makerere University Business School, emphasized the importance of value chain financing: “Your success depends on every link in the chain. Equity Bank ensures each part—from farmers to traders—is financially robust, fostering sustainable growth.” His insights align with the forum’s mission to connect and empower Uganda’s SME ecosystem, which accounts for over 90% of private sector activity and employs millions.
Following the Kampala launch, the Tupange roadshow has already hit Mbale (August 19) and Arua (August 21), with plans to extend to Fort Portal (September 2), and Hoima (September 9), building on last year’s success of engaging over 600 SME proprietors. The initiative also supports Uganda’s post-COVID recovery through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, targeting sectors like agriculture, trade, and technology.
For tech enthusiasts, Equity Bank’s focus on digital transformation is a game-changer. The Pay with Equity platform and ERP-integrated banking solutions signal a shift toward a technology-enabled economy, positioning SMEs to compete in a digital-first world. As Uganda’s SMEs embrace these tools, Equity Bank is proving that innovation and financial inclusion can drive national prosperity.
