By Maria Mariam Namala
MBARARA, Uganda – Pearl Bank, working in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to affordable financing for Uganda’s agricultural sector, with the initiative already reaching more than 170,000 farmers, SACCO members, and agribusiness operators nationwide.
The commitment was highlighted during a monitoring visit to Mbarara by a delegation from AFD led by the French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy. The visit aimed to evaluate the impact of the ongoing partnership on rural communities, farmer cooperatives, and savings groups benefiting from the programme.
The collaboration between Pearl Bank and AFD was launched in October 2025 following the provision of a €15 million concessional credit facility and €1 million in technical support. The funding was designed to improve access to affordable credit for smallholder farmers, agricultural enterprises, cooperatives, and micro, small and medium-sized businesses operating within the agricultural value chain.
Speaking during an engagement with members of Rwanyamahembe SACCO in Mbarara, Pearl Bank’s Head of Financial Institutions and Social Enterprises, George Williams Walusansa, said agriculture remains one of Uganda’s most important economic sectors and a key driver of employment and household incomes.
He noted that increasing access to affordable financing enables farmers and agribusinesses to invest in productivity, improve incomes, and contribute to national economic growth.
Walusansa said the programme has already delivered positive results, citing success stories from farmer groups and SACCOs that have benefited from improved access to capital.
According to the bank, more than 170,000 individuals have so far benefited from the initiative, including members of Rwanyamahembe SACCO, Kyamuhunga People’s Cooperative, Ebo Cooperative Savings, and several other farmer organizations across the country.
French Ambassador Virginie Leroy welcomed the progress made under the partnership and reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen Uganda’s agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
She emphasized the important role played by farmers, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs in driving agricultural development and economic transformation.
AFD Uganda Country Director Marc Trouyet also commended the programme, saying that access to affordable financing continues to unlock opportunities for growth and investment throughout the agricultural value chain.
He noted that the initiative is helping expand financial inclusion among smallholder farmers, SACCOs, women-led enterprises, and youth entrepreneurs, thereby supporting broader economic development objectives.
Pearl Bank reiterated its commitment to developing innovative and accessible financial products tailored to the needs of Uganda’s productive sectors. The bank said its continued collaboration with AFD will contribute to job creation, increased agricultural productivity, food security, financial inclusion, and export growth.
The programme forms part of Pearl Bank’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable economic empowerment through financial services that support entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Formerly known as PostBank Uganda, Pearl Bank operates a nationwide network of branches and banking agents, providing financial services to individuals, businesses, and communities across Uganda