By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
Mbarara
Equity Bank yesterday 27th June, launched the Tupange Business campaign, aimed at supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in western Uganda. The campaign, held at Las Vegas hotel in Mbarara city hosted by Equity Bank Mbarara branch, brought together business owners, experts, and officials from various organizations.
Regional Manager Joran Agaba welcomed guests and highlighted Equity Bank’s commitment to transforming lives through financial inclusion. He noted the bank’s growth from a building society to the 3rd largest bank in assets and deposits.
Prof. Alex Aruho, Head of AIM at the African Union, emphasized the importance of networking, risk management, and insurance. He advised business owners to avoid cheap labor, diversification before stabilization, and encouraged collaboration and co-creation.
Isaac Muzoora, a CPA and tax advisor, urged businesses to adopt new tactics to compete favorably in the face of increasing tax regulations. He urged the business people present that what matters is not the speed but the direction.
Counsel Clara Tumwine, URSB regional applications manager, emphasized the importance of registration and compliance. She also noted that URSB provides after care services for the struggling businesses to avoid collapsing.
At the same function,Equity Bank awarded outstanding SMEs, including Kagame of Acacia Hotels who took the SME customer royalty award, Godfrey Kacuma of GBK who took the SME business influencer, Mwebaze Benton the CEO Mbarara Corporate Club who won the SME influencer and Ezra Mwesigye Kahigwa who walked away with the SME Ecosystem award.
Elizabeth Mwerinde the Executive Director of Equity Bank, thanked members for their loyalty and promised continuous improvement and apologized where their customers think they have not served to their expectations.
The campaign aims to empower SMEs, promote financial inclusion, and transform lives in the region.
