Uganda Government reaffirms commitment to inclusive prosperity at Microfinance Conference

The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting financial inclusion and ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind in the country’s economic transformation agenda.

Speaking at the opening of the 3rd Annual National Microfinance and Savings Groups Conference 2025 held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, the Minister of State for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, said government remains steadfast in building a financially empowered nation where opportunity, enterprise, and dignity are within every citizen’s reach.

The two-day conference, held under the theme “Sustainable Financial Inclusion for Environmental, Economic and Social Impact,” has brought together policymakers, financial sector players, and development partners to explore strategies for expanding access to affordable and sustainable financial services across Uganda.

“Together, we can build a financially empowered Uganda — a nation where opportunity, enterprise, and dignity are within the reach of every citizen,” said Minister Kasolo.

He noted that the conference theme aligns with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology, which envisions a modern, united, and prosperous Uganda anchored on socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.

Minister Kasolo highlighted the enactment of the National Payment Systems Act as a milestone in strengthening Uganda’s financial architecture. He said the framework has fostered innovation and expanded access to financial services, especially in rural and underserved areas.

“In communities that previously had no banks or reliable access points, digital innovations such as PostBank’s Wendi Mobile Wallet, Stanbic’s FlexiPay, and Ensibuuko’s digital platforms have significantly eased access to financial services,” he said.

He added that government programmes such as Emyooga will continue with an expanded scope to help beneficiaries transition into viable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) capable of transforming value chains across the country.

Kasolo also revealed that government will continue to support small enterprises to have their products certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and to access markets within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“All SACCO-strengthening initiatives and other financial inclusion interventions reflect government’s commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and enterprise-driven economy in which all Ugandans — especially women, youth, and rural communities — can thrive,” he said.

He further emphasized the importance of effective regulation to safeguard the microfinance sector from fraudsters and unscrupulous brokers, urging stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), described microfinance as a transformative force that continues to lift families out of poverty, empower women, and fuel the growth of micro and small enterprises.

“I have always said that there are arguably two opportunity equalizers in life — education and financial inclusion,” said Ggoobi. “Microfinance is at the heart of financial inclusion in Uganda, where 33% of the population still operates within the subsistence economy.”

Ggoobi noted that financial inclusion in Uganda has risen to 81%, up from 70% in 2009, largely driven by mobile money usage, which now accounts for 66% of financial access.

He revealed that over the past decade, the Government of Uganda has invested more than UGX 11 trillion in wealth creation initiatives as part of efforts to ensure equitable access to finance and to build a $500 billion economy that works for all Ugandans.

“Microfinance is one of the key levers that will enable Uganda to achieve inclusive growth and reach our ambition of a 500-billion-dollar economy,” he said.

The conference is expected to generate actionable policy recommendations to advance sustainable financial inclusion, enhance the capacity of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), and promote the integration of environmental and social considerations in financial sector growth.

Stakeholders from across government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners are participating in the discussions aimed at shaping Uganda’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic development.