Equity Bank Uganda leadership has visited refugee settlements in southwestern Uganda as part of efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and improve livelihoods among refugee communities. The bank says its mission is focused on transforming lives through access to financial services, social protection, and sustainable development.

Led by Director Public Sector and Social Investments With Catherine Somugen, the delegation visited Oruchinga and Nakivale refugee settlements in Isingiro District. Somugen said the purpose of the visit was to engage partners, assess community needs, and gather feedback from refugees benefiting from the bank’s support programs.

Somugen noted that refugees requested a stronger physical presence of the bank, especially in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, to improve access to financial services. She described the engagement as eye-opening, revealing urgent needs in water, sanitation, and financial access.

Refugee settlement commandants Chali Tophious of Oruchinga and James Mugume of Nakivale also appealed to the bank leadership to support critical community projects and services.

Nakivale Refugee Settlement currently hosts more than 280,000 refugees and receives an estimated 500 new refugees every week. The refugees come from countries including Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.

Equity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with refugee communities and partners to expand financial services and support sustainable livelihoods in refugee settlements across Uganda.