By Guest Writer
dfcu Bank has expanded its SME financing offering with the introduction of the dfcu Unsecured Maali Business Loan, a new working capital facility that provides eligible businesses with access to between UGX 10 million and UGX 200 million in financing. The product targets established enterprises seeking to increase inventory, manage cash flow and finance growth opportunities.
The facility has been developed for businesses that have moved beyond the start-up stage and built a track record of operations but still require timely access to capital to respond to customer demand, finance stock requirements and support expansion. It is aimed at formally registered small and medium enterprises, including sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability companies with an active dfcu transactional account.
Under the dfcu Unsecured Maali Business Loan, eligible businesses can access a minimum of UGX 10 million. First-time borrowers may qualify for up to UGX 50 million, while repeat borrowers can access up to UGX 200 million, subject to assessment and eligibility. The facility is repayable over three to twelve months, with repayment schedules structured around the customer’s cash flow cycle.
According to Annet Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, the new facility responds to the practical financing needs of established businesses that have demonstrated stability but require faster access to working capital to convert opportunity into growth.
“Across Uganda, we continue to see businesses that have strong customer relationships, reliable operations and growing demand for their products and services. What many of them need is timely working capital that allows them to increase stock, fulfil orders, manage cash flow and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The dfcu Unsecured Maali Business Loan has been designed to support that need.” – Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer, dfcu Bank
Kiconco said the facility recognises that SME financing needs are often linked to the rhythm of business operations. A trader may need to increase inventory ahead of a busy season while a distributor may need stock to meet a large customer order. In each case, access to appropriately structured financing can determine whether a business is able to respond quickly or miss a growth opportunity.
“This is a practical solution for businesses that are already operating and need financing that reflects how they earn, trade and grow. Our objective is to give established SMEs access to working capital that supports business continuity, expansion and resilience,” she noted.
To qualify, businesses must have operated continuously for at least three years, hold a valid trading license and demonstrate healthy business performance and consistent cash flows. Customers are expected to have at least 24 months of banking history, including a minimum of six months banking with dfcu, and a minimum monthly turnover of UGX 3 million over the preceding six months.
The dfcu Unsecured Maali Business Loan can support a range of working capital needs, including increasing inventory, financing day-to-day operations, purchasing business inputs and supporting expansion plans. Businesses requiring financing above UGX 200 million may be assessed for other suitable solutions within dfcu Bank’s wider SME and business banking portfolio.
William Kayongo, Head of Enterprise Banking at dfcu Bank, said the facility complements the bank’s broader support for businesses at different stages of growth, particularly enterprises that have demonstrated performance and are seeking additional capital to scale responsibly.
“Many SMEs have reached a stage where their next phase of growth depends on access to the right level of working capital at the right time. Through the dfcu Unsecured Maali Business Loan, we are providing an additional financing option for businesses with proven performance, while ensuring that facilities remain aligned to cash flow and repayment capacity,” he explained.
Kayongo added that the facility is part of dfcu Bank’s continued effort to provide business customers with financing solutions that respond to actual operating needs, while promoting responsible borrowing. The product is designed to support working capital and business growth needs, rather than debt refinancing. The facility expands dfcu Bank’s SME financing portfolio and targets established businesses seeking quicker access to working capital for inventory, operations and expansion.
For entrepreneurs, the application process has been designed to be straightforward. Interested customers can send an SMS with the word “Maali” to 8777, call the dfcu Customer Experience Centre on 0800 222 000, email customercare@dfcugroup.com, visit the nearest dfcu Bank branch or speak directly with a Business Banker.
As SMEs continue to support jobs, trade and private sector activity across the country, access to suitable working capital remains critical to sustaining business growth. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
