By Aggrey Baba
In a move aimed at breathing life into Uganda’s struggling small businesses, Housing Finance Bank (HFB) has launched a nationwide campaign of Business Clinics, starting with a powerful focus on women entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the first session held under the theme “Women in Business,” HFB’s Executive Director, Peace Ayebazibwe, acknowledged the silent suffering of many Ugandan businesswomen who are trying to survive in a system that often works against them.
“We know the pain you go through just to keep your business alive. The truth is, many women are locked out of financial systems simply because they don’t have collateral. That’s what we are here to change,” she said.
The HFB boss revealed that the clinics were created after realizing how many women and small traders lacked access to basic business knowledge and financial services, saying that the Bank has committed itself to walking with them step-by-step.
“These clinics will help small businesses get the skills and financial guidance they need, not in theory, but real, practical help.”
Participants were trained in record-keeping, supervision, sustainability, and marketing, skills often taken for granted, yet life-changing for small traders.
Ayebazibwe disclosed that with funding from the European Investment Bank and other partners, the Bank now has resources to directly support women-led businesses and even help them adopt renewable energy like solar and biogas.
“We have the funding. Now we need the right people to benefit, not the big shots who always show up at the last minute to hijack these programs.”
The Business Clinics will be rolled out across Uganda, reaching youth-led startups, farmers, traders, and manufacturers, with the goal of training at least 1,000 small businesses by the end of 2025.
“This is not about speeches. It’s about action. It’s about helping the real hustlers of Uganda,” Ayebazibwe added.
As the sun rises on this new journey, small business owners finally have a reason to hope, because when the elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers, but this time, the grass is fighting back. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
