By Mulengera Reporters
In a fresh move to boost the strength of Uganda’s distribution chain, Equity Bank Uganda has partnered with Unilever Uganda to launch a new financing solution tailored specifically for local traders and distributors within Unilever’s network.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a high-level breakfast engagement held in Kampala under the theme “Unlocking Financing Opportunities for Distributors,” attracting key players from the banking and manufacturing sectors, all with a shared goal of empowering small and medium enterprises with the financial support they need to thrive.
Through the newly launched Eazystock Financing Product, Equity Bank is providing working capital loans ranging from Ugx 1 million to UGX 3 billion.
The financing model has been designed with flexibility and convenience at its core, including a one-time sign-up process and an account auto-sweep repayment system that makes loan management simpler for business owners.
What makes this product particularly attractive is that loans up to UGX 1 billion are unsecured, meaning even businesses without traditional collateral can access funding. Only loans exceeding that threshold require security.
The cost is equally manageable, with a total drawdown fee of just 1.15% and a modest 0.05% insurance charge. Terms are reviewed quarterly to ensure they remain suitable for evolving business needs.
This partnership is expected to significantly improve cash flow management among distributors, enabling them to restock promptly and meet growing demand, especially in fast-moving consumer goods like soap, food, and personal care products.
Officials from both institutions described the initiative as a practical step towards economic empowerment, placing more financial control in the hands of local entrepreneurs, giving them room to grow their businesses, serve more customers, and create jobs in their communities.
The product will not only support Ugandan traders but also aligns with broader regional goals, with a similar model being extended to Kenya and Rwanda under Equity Bank’s East African footprint.
Ugandan distributors, especially those in the Unilever value chain, now have a new partner walking with them, one that understands the importance of moving goods faster, managing capital better, and unlocking new levels of growth for the country’s real economy.
