FINCA Uganda is thrilled to announce their role in the launch of the : “Financing Early Education for Refugees and Host Communities in Uganda” project.
Funded by the Hilton Foundation (Conrad N. Hilton Foundation), this three-year project will empower Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers, parents, and caregivers in Kampala and surrounding refugee settlements with essential financial services and business skills.
The launch featured powerful endorsements from our key partners:
A Foundation Built on Partnership
“We have partnered with FINCA as our key financial inclusion partner, aligning with the Two-Generation Approach,” said Vivian Oyella, Representative of the Hilton Foundation. “Following a successful pilot in April 2023 with Opportunity International, Opportunity Bank Uganda, and PHB Development, we have meticulously prototyped, tested, and refined business models to serve parents, caregivers, teachers, and ECD leaders.”
Aligning with National Development Goals
Mr. Golooba Rogers, Representative of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development highlighted the initiative’s strategic importance. “One of the greatest challenges in early childhood development is sustainable financing. This initiative offers practical solutions by empowering caregivers financially, strengthening ECD centres’ business capacity, and facilitating access to capital. Strongly aligned with national frameworks and through collaboration with local governments, this model will not only meet immediate needs but also shape the future of human development in Uganda.”
Breaking Down Barriers to Finance
Abraham Arimo, Refugee Finance Project Associate at FINCA Uganda, explained their tailored approach. “Our responsibility goes beyond lending. When refugees arrive, they must navigate unfamiliar financial systems. We provide the education needed to understand available products, how they work, and which ones fit their needs. Only then can access to finance be truly meaningful. We help them overcome challenges like KYC requirements and lack of collateral to participate fully in the economy.”
A Commitment to Impact
Eva Balikowa, Chief Commercial Officer of FINCA Uganda, echoed the sentiment. “It is an honor to be part of this launch. By supporting our clients—both refugees and host communities—with access to finance, and by building relationships based on trust and empathy, we have already seen the powerful impact we can create together.”
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and prosperous future for Uganda’s youngest learners and their caregivers.
