KCB Bank Uganda has officially joined the Women Entrepreneurs Finance (WE Finance) Code, becoming the latest financial institution to back a nationwide push to close gender gaps in access to capital and strengthen support systems for women-led enterprises.
The bank’s entry into the initiative follows an invitation from the National Coalition comprising the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Bank of Uganda, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, and the World Bank.
After a rigorous review process, KCB Bank Uganda submitted its Commitment Letter ahead of the official launch.
Launched at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, the WE Finance Code brings together regulators, financial institutions, development partners, and private-sector organisations to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs—a group that continues to face significant financing barriers.
According to UN Women (2020), women-owned businesses make up only 30% of enterprises in Uganda and often struggle to access credit due to limited collateral and restrictive lending requirements.
IFC data from 2020 further shows that just 7% of Ugandan women entrepreneurs can access formal financing channels.
Miranda Bageine Musoke, Head of Retail Banking at KCB Bank Uganda, said the bank is committed to bridging this gap by designing inclusive financial offerings tailored to women-led enterprises.
“Women entrepreneurs contribute substantially to Uganda’s economic growth, yet many continue to struggle with accessing the financing necessary to realise their full potential,” she said. “By signing the WE Finance Code, we affirm our dedication to creating products and partnerships that will empower women to succeed.”
Under the WE Finance Code, KCB Bank Uganda will support national efforts to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen institutional responsiveness, and elevate the growth trajectory of women-led businesses.
The bank plans to draw on its regional footprint, digital banking capabilities, and enterprise development programmes to extend practical support to women across sectors.
The move is indicative of KCB Bank Uganda’s positioning as a champion of inclusive and sustainable economic development—driving economic empowerment under its People, For Better philosophy.