dfcu Bank has launched a new agriculture programme dubbed the dfcu Bank Foundation. The programme will strengthen support for Uganda’s farmers and improve the country’s agricultural sector.
The state minister for animal industry, Lt Col Bright Rwamirama, presided over the launch of the programme, which excited farmers at Rwenjeru Agro-tourism, Demo and Training Farm in Mbarara city.
The programme was launched on May 29 with the tagline “a new name, a renewed commitment”.
Speaking at the launch, Kate Kiiza, the dfcu executive director, said the foundation aligns with the bank’s transition to becoming a new face of the Agribusiness Development Centre.
Kiiza explained that the rebrand of the Agriculture Business Centre to the to the dfcu Bank Foundation was part of their expanded approach to not only agribusiness, but also to empower farmers, entrepreneurs and rural communities with the tools and resources they need to succeed. “
Our commitment to transforming lives and businesses in Uganda remains at the core of everything we do,” she said.
Kiiza added that the decision to evolve to the foundation came from the recognition of the growing need to strengthen the bank’s support for Ugandan farmers.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 70% of the population, especially in areas outside the central business district in Kampala.
“Many farmers still face many challenges in accessing credit, market linkages, modern farming techniques, and sustainable agriculture development practices. The entire dfcu family is passionate about agriculture because it is fundamental to the well-being and prosperity of our people. The foundation brings us closer to the farmers we serve and we empower them,” she added.
Rwamirama hails dfcu initiatives Rwamirama commended the dfcu Group for investing in Uganda’s future, not just through banking services, but through enterprise development and community resilience.
He also thanked the Robo Foundation for its long-standing support.
Rwamirama was happy to note that the dfcu Bank Foundation reflected a deep commitment to Uganda’s development journey and was in line with the National Development Plan IV agenda.
“Today, we are not just launching a foundation; we are celebrating a strategic transition.”
The animal industry state minister was happy to be informed that dfcu Bank founded the Robo Foundation in 2017 and that the Agribusiness Development Centre has supported over 1,280 enterprises, reaching out to nearly 60,000 beneficiaries, over half of whom are women.
The foundation’s strategy is to reach 100,000 people by 2029, with a strong focus on women (60%) and youth (40%). Rwamirama said this will align well with Uganda’s Vision 2040.
“Initiatives like those led by the dfcu Bank Foundation are, therefore, critical, the bridge gaps in financial access, enterprise training and inclusive growth,” Rwamirama said.
The minister urged all private sectors to follow dfcu’s example and embed social impact into their strategy.
He challenged all development partners to deepen support for initiatives that promote self-resilience, skills development and climate-smart agriculture in Uganda.
Rwamirama appealed to the farmers to take full advantage of the launched dfcu Bank Foundation initiative and use it to grow their businesses and uplift their communities to prosperity.
Scale-up model
The programme will empower farmers, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to enhance productivity and create resilience as well as a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The foundation will equip them with the right knowledge, market linkages and innovative e-learning platforms as well as training, which farmers need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
“Today, we are proud to launch the foundation in western Uganda, a stronghold of agriculture with a well-known reputation for what comes out of this region. We play a key role in Uganda’s agricultural outputs, including the production of dairy and all the products associated,” dfcu Bank executive director Kate Kiiza said.
The foundation will also focus on the development of agribusinesses, helping farmers transition from small-scale to larger and more sustainable enterprises that contribute to the economic development, she noted.
Kiiza added that the foundation would provide financial literacy training and is committed to promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices and technology that reduce environmental impact and ensure long-term productivity.
Farmers celebrate news
Martin Kananura Rwenjeru Agro-tourism, Demo and Training Farm and New Vision’s Best Farmers 2023 overall winner: I thank dfcu Bank for investing much of their resources in the undisputed backbone of Uganda’s economy, which employs over 70% of the Ugandan population, especially in areas outside the central business district in Kampala.
When I visited the Netherlands, I saw a farm that was run by only three people: the owner, his wife and a manager running 200 dairy cattle producing 12,000 litres per day.
Support in terms of machinery and power is crucial. These are the major challenges affecting my projects. Herbert Katongore
The training and capacity building dfcu offered us has positively impacted the society.
Annet Birungi
The dfcu Bank partnership helped us master export and guided us to develop.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: dfcu staff, together with animal industry state minister Lt Col Bright Rwamirama (second-right) arrive at Rwenjeru Agro-tourism, Demo and Training Farm in Mbarara city for the launch of the dfcu Foundation on May 29. (Photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
