The Uganda Green Enterprise Finance Accelerator (UGEFA) has officially launched its partnership with Housing Finance Bank (HFB), marking a significant step forward in expanding access to green finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Uganda.
The launch event took place during the HFB Business Clinic held at the bank’s headquarters in Kampala on June 19th 2025. The occasion brought together senior leadership from Housing Finance Bank, including Managing Director Mr Michael K. Mugabi, Executive Director Mrs Peace Ayebazibwe Kabunga, and Head of Business and Institutional Banking Ms Angela Ndawula.
UGEFA, an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by adelphi, was represented by Ms Cristina Banuta, Programme Manager for Access to Finance, Agribusiness and Land at the EU Delegation to Uganda. In her remarks, Ms Banuta highlighted the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Uganda’s green economy transition through innovative financial partnerships and capacity building for local businesses.
Mr Mugabi expressed deep appreciation to the European Union for supporting the UGEFA programme and spoke about the importance of working with SMEs. He stated, “It is a strategic initiative to directly address the unique challenges SMEs face and unlock the opportunities that can transform them into engines of innovation, employment, and inclusive growth. When we empower SMEs, we are not only investing in individual success stories; we are accelerating Uganda’s transformation”
The partnership was met with enthusiastic engagement from the business community, with participants expressing strong interest in the opportunities available under UGEFA Phase II. HFB announced that it has already developed a robust pipeline of over 380 SMEs positioned to benefit from the programme’s support.
Through this strategic collaboration, UGEFA and Housing Finance Bank aim to unlock new avenues for green and inclusive growth, empowering enterprises to scale their operations sustainably. Contact information for both UGEFA and HFB was shared during the event to enable interested SMEs to initiate their application process.
This partnership marks a major milestone in UGEFA’s mission to catalyse sustainable enterprise development in Uganda. By bridging the gap between financial institutions and high-potential green businesses, UGEFA continues to drive forward an inclusive and climate-resilient economic future.
