By Aggrey Baba
Housing Finance Bank (HFB) has been honored with two national accolades for its pivotal role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector and small business recovery.
At the Second Award Ceremony of the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) and the inaugural Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) Awards held at the Sheraton Hotel, last week, HFB received the prestigious ACF Award and the SBRF Award.
Presented by the Bank of Uganda,these recognitions underscore the HFB’s dedication to enabling access to affordable finance for farmers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the cornerstones of Uganda’s economy.
The Agricultural Credit Facility Award was conferred on HFB in recognition of its strong and sustained participation in the government-led initiative designed to boost agricultural productivity nationwide.
Through this collaboration, HFB has significantly advanced financial inclusion, particularly for smallholder farmers who comprise over 80% of Uganda’s agricultural sector. By empowering these farmers to shift from subsistence-based practices to commercially viable agricultural ventures, the Bank continues to sow the seeds of sustainable growth.
The Bank also received the Small Business Recovery Fund Award for its outstanding role in revitalizing Uganda’s MSME sector. According to the latest performance data, MSMEs constitute 93% of all beneficiaries under the SBRF programme. HFB has been at the forefront, extending crucial financial lifelines to enterprises impacted by recent economic disruptions.
These efforts have helped stabilize operations, safeguard employment, and spur Uganda’s broader economic recovery.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Evelyn Anite, State Minister for Privatization and Investment and Guest of Honor, applauded the achievements of all participating institutions.
“Thank you very much, Bank of Uganda, for organizing this awards ceremony to recognize top-performing banks in the ACF and SBRF. I was happy to learn that the ACF capital has grown from UGX 330 billion to UGX 1.2 trillion, significantly expanding access to finance for agriculture,” she noted, reaffirming the crucial role of financial institutions like Housing Finance Bank in driving the national development agenda.
Angela Ndawula, Head of Business and Institutional Banking at HFB, expressed pride in the recognitions. “Receiving these awards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting Uganda’s key economic drivers of agriculture and small businesses. Over the years, HFB has supported over 1,700 MSMEs and contributed to the creation of more than 250,000 jobs. We are proud to be part of initiatives that not only provide affordable financing but also empower entrepreneurs and farmers to scale operations, create jobs, and build resilient communities.”
This double recognition reaffirms HFB’s role as a steadfast partner in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. As the proverb goes, “a tree is known by its fruit,” and HFB’s contributions are clearly bearing fruit in communities across the country.
With an ongoing focus on delivering inclusive, accessible, and sustainable financial solutions, HTB remains committed to helping Uganda’s individuals, businesses, and communities thrive.
HFB is one of Uganda’s top 10 commercial banks, operating with a purpose to finance a sustainable future for all, and for over 58 years, the Bank has offered convenient, affordable, and relevant financial solutions tailored to the needs of Ugandans.
Founded in 1967 as Housing Finance Company Uganda Limited, the institution was initially a non-banking credit provider focused on mortgage finance, until 2007, when it was licensed as a full commercial bank and rebranded as Housing Finance Bank Limited.
Today, the Bank operates 18 branches across Uganda, with a clear vision to be the preferred business and consumer bank, with a special focus on housing finance. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
