Pearl Bank has been recognised by the Bank of Uganda for its exceptional partnership and responsiveness in implementing the Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) and Small Business Recovery Fund schemes, initiatives that continue to boost Uganda’s agriculture and business sectors in line with the country’s National Development Plan IV and Tenfold Growth Strategy.
The recognition highlights Pearl Bank’s growing role in expanding access to affordable financing for farmers and small businesses across the country.
Jointly run by the Bank of Uganda and participating financial institutions, the ACF was introduced to increase access to medium and long-term financing for Uganda’s agriculture sector at affordable interest rates.
Under the programme, Pearl Bank stood out for its strong loan portfolio growth, effective risk management, and its ability to reach both commercial and smallholder farmers.
Since 2020, the bank’s agricultural loan portfolio has grown by approximately 180 percent, driven by innovative lending solutions tailored to the needs of farmers. These include seasonal working capital loans, risk-sharing facilities, and financing partnerships linked to government programmes such as the Agricultural Credit Facility.
The bank says these interventions have enabled underserved rural communities to adopt climate-smart farming practices and expand their operations.
According to Julius Akais, Pearl Bank’s Supervisor for Agriculture and Partnerships, agriculture remains central to Uganda’s economy and requires deliberate financial support.
“The bank is committed to creating an enabling environment for Ugandans to access affordable financing solutions and bridge the funding gap in Uganda’s agriculture sector, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy,” Akais said.
He noted that the bank continues to design products that support key agricultural value chains including coffee, dairy, grains, poultry, and horticulture.
Through this financing, farmers have been able to invest in modern machinery, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and value-addition projects.
At the recent awards ceremony, Julius Akais also received individual recognition for his contribution towards processing applications under the ACF programme and supporting growth in Uganda’s agriculture and business sectors.
The latest recognition adds to Pearl Bank’s growing list of achievements. In February this year, the bank was recognised by Aceli Africa, while last year it received five awards and 11 certificates under the Bank of Uganda Agricultural Credit Facility and Small Business Recovery Fund programmes, including recognition as the best-performing bank under both schemes.
The lender also emerged as Best Bank in Agriculture and Agro-processing at the inaugural Annual Bankers Awards.
Bank officials say the recognition reflects Pearl Bank’s continued commitment to sustainable financing and its broader mission of fostering prosperity for Ugandans through financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and service delivery.
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