By Mulengera Reporter
Equity Bank Uganda and Unilever Uganda have entered into a new financing partnership aimed at helping distributors and retailers across the country access affordable working capital.
The arrangement is expected to strengthen the distribution chain of Unilever products by making it easier for partners to restock and keep their businesses running smoothly.
The two companies announced the partnership during a breakfast meeting held in Kampala under the theme “Unlocking Financing Opportunities for Distributors.”
The two giants launched a product called “Eazzystock Financing,” which allows Unilever’s distributors, stockists and retailers to borrow working capital from Equity Bank, with loans ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 3 billion.
Those seeking amounts up to UGX 1 billion do not need to provide any collateral, while those borrowing beyond that will be required to provide security to acquire a loan will be reviewed every three months to ensure that they are still suitable for the business needs of the borrowers.
Once a distributor is registered, they only need to sign up once, and their account will be linked to an automated system that manages repayments directly through an auto-sweep feature.
Christine Mukasa Mugerwa, the Acting Head of Corporate Banking at Equity Bank Uganda, said that the goal of the financing is to support the real needs of everyday businesspeople.
She explained that the partnership is meant to ensure that basic goods like a bar of soap reach people everywhere, and in doing so, transform the lives of small-scale traders who sell such products.
Barbara Aseera, who heads the manufacturing and logistics unit at the bank, said the financing solution was developed after observing how badly businesses had been affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many distributors, she said, had their capital wiped out, and this model is a way to keep them in business and support recovery. She added that this was not a temporary measure but part of a broader strategy to keep supply chains functioning and ensure that shops are consistently stocked.
Equity Bank’s Gerald Tentena, General Manager of the Supreme Branch, added that the product is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but one that has been specifically designed to respond to the unique needs of Unilever’s distributor network, noting that the financial offering is based on real field experiences and engagements with local businesses, not theory.
Unilever also expressed strong commitment to the partnership. Speaking from Nairobi, the company’s Managing Director for Kenya and Uganda, Luck Ochieng, said that the success of Unilever in Uganda is closely tied to the success of its local partners.
He said this partnership with Equity Bank is about more than moving goods, but creating shared opportunities for growth and development across the board.
With many small and medium enterprises in Uganda still struggling to access affordable loans, this collaboration between a major bank and a leading manufacturer could offer a practical and timely solution.
The financing is already available, and all eligible businesses under the Unilever distribution chain are encouraged to approach Equity Bank and enroll for access to the funds. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
