Tree planting signified the new birth during the Mbarara launch
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I dfcu Bank has officially launched the dfcu Foundation with an aim of promoting agricultural growth, strengthening Uganda’s economy and creating long-term benefits and prosperity.
Formerly known as the Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC), dfcu Foundation arises from dfcu Bank’s purpose of ‘’Transforming Lives and Businesses in Uganda’’ and aims to create a more inclusive and structured approach to empowering agribusinesses, SMEs, and farmer groups.
Speaking at the launch, Kate K Kiiza, the dfcu Bank Executive Director emphasized the Foundation’s role in transforming Uganda’s agriculture sector.
Renewed Commitment
“The launch of dfcu Foundation marks a new era of empowerment for Ugandan farmers. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer, agribusiness owner and rural entrepreneur has the knowledge, resources and financial tools needed to succeed,” she said during the launch event, which was held in Mbarara City recently, under the theme ‘’A New Name, A Renewed Commitment.’’
It brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, farmer groups, financial and agribusiness experts.
Kiiza further noted that while agribusiness remains at their core, the dfcu Foundation will also focus on enterprise development, financial literacy training and sustainability initiatives.
“This rebrand strengthens our purpose and amplifies our impact, aligning with dfcu’s long-term strategy for national transformation,” she further noted that through integrating financial empowerment, environmental governance, and enterprise development, they are strengthening their commitment to sustainable growth and economic progress’.
Strategic move
Mabel Ndawula, the Executive Director of the dfcu Foundation said that the launch dfcu Foundation is a strategic move designed to deepen their relationship with farmers and expand our impact.
“This transition is not a departure from our commitment to agribusiness but rather an opportunity to increase our reach and add to our contribution to national development,” she noted.
A cross section of officials from dfcu Bank, religious leaders, leaders from the civil society as well as associates attended the Mbarara launch
She added that under the Agribusiness Development Centre, they reached 59,000 beneficiaries.
“Following the transition, over the next five years, we aim to impact 100,000 more. Of these, 60% will be women and 40% will be youth, with the focus given to Uganda’s youthful population, where approximately 77-78% are young people with high unemployment rates and limited job market absorption,” she said.
Ndawula said that dfcu sees farming and small business development as viable solutions for economic empowerment and job creation’.
“Agriculture remains Uganda’s largest employer, accounting for over 70% of the population and contributing 24% to the national GDP. The sector is a key driver of rural livelihoods, food security and national economic development.”
Closing gaps
She however pointed out that challenges such as limited access to credit, market volatility, and inadequate business skills continue to hinder farmers’ productivity and growth.
“The dfcu Foundation seeks to close these gaps through the provision of tailor-made solutions to accelerate agricultural growth and financial inclusion,” she said.
Ndawula further said that while ADC majorly focused on agricultural value chains, dfcu Foundation will have a large mandate including financial literacy, business mentorship, access to credit and market linkages for farmers countrywide and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
“Through the Foundation, farmers and agribusinesses will benefit from access to credit, market linkages, training and capacity building, and technology-driven solutions.”
Helena Mayanja, dfcu’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability said that the Foundation is set to roll out a series of engagement programs across Uganda, strengthening its commitment to empowering communities through sustainable agricultural development.
“This strategic transition aims to widen impact, bringing dfcu Bank closer to farmers countrywide and facilitating access to financial resources, increased markets and capacity-building programs,” she said.
