Dfcu Bank has officially launched the Dfcu Foundation in Mbarara district, marking a new chapter in its efforts to empower Uganda’s agricultural and business communities.
The Foundation, a rebrand of the former Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC), was unveiled under the theme “A New Name, A Renewed Commitment.”
The transition from ADC to Dfcu Foundation signals a broader strategic vision aimed at deepening the Bank’s reach and impact across Uganda.
While ADC previously focused primarily on agricultural value chains, the new Foundation carries an expanded mandate that includes financial literacy, business mentorship, access to credit, and market linkages for farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the launch, Kate K. Kiiza, Executive Director at Dfcu Bank, emphasized the Foundation’s transformative potential:
“The launch of Dfcu Foundation marks a new era of empowerment for Ugandan farmers. Our goal is to ensure every farmer, agribusiness owner, and rural entrepreneur has the knowledge, resources, and financial tools needed to succeed.”
She added that the rebrand aligns with Dfcu Bank’s overarching mission of “Transforming Lives and Businesses in Uganda,” and will integrate enterprise development and sustainability initiatives into its programming.
Mabel Ndawula, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Dfcu Foundation, echoed this commitment:
“We are excited to launch Dfcu Foundation—a strategic move designed to deepen our relationship with farmers and expand our impact. This is not a departure from our roots in agribusiness but a renewed drive to scale our contributions to national development.”
Ndawula revealed that the Foundation aims to reach 100,000 beneficiaries in the next five years—60% of whom will be women and 40% youth. This comes on the heels of strong performance by ADC, which as of December 2024 had supported over 59,000 farmers and agribusinesses, facilitated $22 million in business linkages, and achieved a 52% inclusion rate for women.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributes 24% to the GDP. Yet, farmers continue to face major challenges such as limited access to credit, market volatility, and inadequate business skills.
The Dfcu Foundation aims to bridge these gaps by offering tailor-made, technology-driven solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.
As of December 2024, ADC had achieved notable milestones, including supporting over 1,281 enterprises with financing and capacity-building, and facilitating $22 million in business linkages. These achievements will serve as a springboard for the Foundation’s expanded mission.
The launch in Mbarara brought together stakeholders from government, finance, and agriculture, and the Foundation plans to roll out similar engagement programs nationwide.