UGAFODE, the Foundation's partner in Uganda, expands its services to refugees

UGAFODE Microfinance Limited (MDI) has opened a branch in the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda as part of a program for financial inclusion of refugees launched by the United Nations Refugee Agency, the Swedish Cooperation Agency, and the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation. The initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods, resilience, and self-reliance for refugees in both settlement and host communities. This follows a successful pilot financial inclusion project for refugees in Kampala. As part of the project, refugees continue to have access to credit, savings, and money transfer services.

During the pilot phase, UGAFODE adjusted its procedures, including documentation requirements, such as identification (refugee ID card issued by the Prime Minister's Office – Department of Refugees). "Serving refugees fits well with our mission to transform the lives of low-income but economically active populations. Refugees are economically active and have financial needs like everyone else and deserve the utmost attention," said Shafi Nambobi, Director General of UGAFODE.

Nakivale camp hosts more than 100,000 refugees from 13 countries, most of whom work in agriculture and trade. Through the Nakivale branch, UGAFODE will expand financial services to smallholder refugee farmers and members of the host community to improve household incomes. Nambobi announced that the institution plans to roll out financial services for refugees to other settlements in the future.

According to the refugees interviewed, the UGAFODE Nakivale branch saves them from traveling long distances to access financial services in Mbarara or Isingiro. “With the establishment of this UGAFODE branch in our camp, financial services have been brought to our backyard. We can now be served easily,” said one of the refugees. Another refugee said that previously, due to poor road conditions, it took a day just to get to the bank, and that the branch would help them save on transportation costs and time wasted traveling.

More information about the program here.