Officials of Pearl Bank displaying the BOU award
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Pearl Bank has cemented its position as a leading force in agricultural financing, earning recognition from Bank of Uganda for its consistent and impactful support to the sector—an approach that has significantly expanded access to credit for farmers and agribusinesses across the country.
The recognition, announced during a workshop held on April 22, 2026 at Hotel Africana, highlights the bank’s strong performance under the Agriculture Credit Facility (ACF) and the Small Business Recovery Fund.
These initiatives, jointly implemented by the central bank and commercial financial institutions, are designed to increase access to affordable, medium- and long-term financing for agriculture and small enterprises.
At the heart of Pearl Bank’s success is a sustained commitment to agricultural lending, which has driven an estimated 180 percent growth in its agricultural loan portfolio since 2020. This expansion has been supported by innovative financial solutions tailored to the unique needs of farmers, including seasonal working capital loans, risk-sharing facilities and partnerships aligned with national development programmes such as the ACF.
Officials say these efforts have been instrumental in bridging long-standing financing gaps in agriculture, particularly among smallholder farmers and rural communities that have traditionally struggled to access formal credit. By targeting underserved segments, the bank has enabled farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, invest in modern equipment and scale up production.
Speaking at the event, Pearl Bank’s Supervisor for Agriculture and Partnerships, Julius Akais, emphasised the institution’s broader mission of driving inclusive growth through agriculture.
“The bank is committed to creating an enabling environment for Ugandans to access affordable financing solutions and bridge the financing gap in the agriculture sector, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy,” he said.
Agriculture continues to employ the majority of Uganda’s population and plays a central role in ensuring food security and export growth. Recognising this, Pearl Bank has strategically aligned its lending with key agricultural value chains such as coffee, dairy, grains, poultry and horticulture. This targeted approach has enabled farmers to invest in irrigation systems, storage facilities and value addition processes—critical elements in improving productivity and profitability.
The Bank of Uganda commended Pearl Bank for its responsiveness and efficiency in deploying funds under the ACF, noting that the bank demonstrated strong loan portfolio growth, prudent risk management and extensive outreach to both commercial and smallholder farmers. These qualities have made it a standout participant in the programme.
Beyond institutional recognition, individual contributions were also celebrated. Akais received a special accolade for his role in advancing agricultural financing through the ACF, underscoring the importance of leadership and expertise in delivering impactful financial services.
This latest recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Pearl Bank. In recent years, the bank has received multiple awards under the ACF and Small Business Recovery Fund schemes, including distinctions as a top-performing financial institution. It has also been named Best Bank in Agriculture and Agro-processing at the Annual Bankers Awards, further reinforcing its reputation in the sector.
The bank’s consistent performance reflects a deliberate strategy focused on sustainable financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. By prioritising agriculture—a sector widely regarded as the backbone of Uganda’s economy—Pearl Bank is contributing directly to national development priorities outlined in frameworks such as the National Development Plan IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy.
