dfcu Bank has officially launched the dfcu Foundation in Mbarara district, rebranding the Agribusiness Development Centre (ADC) under the theme “A New Name, A Renewed Commitment.” The foundation aims to train and support smallholder farmers, equip SMEs, youth, and women with tools to grow, promote climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen community partnerships.
Established in 2017 through a partnership between dfcu Bank (Uganda) and Rabo Foundation (Netherlands), the dfcu Foundation launched at Rwenjeru Agro-Tourism Demo & Training Farm in Mbarara. the farm showcases innovation, sustainable farming, and community empowerment, capturing the essence of transformation.
The launch of the foundation brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, farmer groups, and financial and agribusiness experts
Mabel Ndawula, Executive Director of the dfcu Foundation, said, “We’re excited to launch dfcu Foundation, a strategic move designed to deepen our relationship with farmers and expand our impact. Our goal is to double the impact of past initiatives, reaching 100,000 more beneficiaries over the next five years, with 60% women and 40% youth.”
She emphasized that agriculture remains Uganda’s largest employer, accounting for over 70% of the population and contributing 24% to the national GDP. However, challenges like limited access to credit, market volatility, and inadequate business skills hinder farmers’ productivity and growth. The dfcu Foundation seeks to close these gaps through tailor-made solutions.
Mabel Ndawula, Executive Director of the dfcu Foundation
Through the Foundation, farmers and agribusinesses will benefit from access to credit, market linkages, training and capacity building, and technology-driven solutions.
Kate K. Kiiza, Executive Director at dfcu Bank, emphasized the Foundation’s role in transforming Uganda’s agriculture sector. “The launch of the dfcu Foundation marks a new era of empowerment for Ugandan farmers. Our goal is to ensure every farmer, agribusiness owner, and rural entrepreneur has the knowledge, resources, and financial tools needed to succeed.”
Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister for Animal Industry, who was the chief guest, thanked dfcu for the foundation and for extending an opportunity to farmers and people engaged in Agribusiness. He reaffirmed government support, stating that, “We can no longer talk about commercial agriculture without talking about education, access to credit, and mechanization. The dfcu Foundation comes at the right time to cover the gaps and help our farmers walk the talk.” He also encouraged farmers to embrace government programs, emphasizing the Parish Development model program (PDM), stating that every sub-county has been allocated 500 million for people to borrow and pay less interest.
Over the next five years, the Foundation aims to reach 100,000 direct beneficiaries, launch a tree planting program targeting 500,000 trees across five regions, provide business diagnostics and mentorship, and create pathways to markets for rural entrepreneurs and SMEs. With this initiative, dfcu Bank is poised to make a meaningful impact on Ugandan communities, promoting sustainable growth and economic progress.
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