KAMPALA, Uganda — In a powerful affirmation of its evolving role in Uganda’s economy, Pearl Bank — formerly known as PostBank Uganda — has been crowned Best Agri-SME Lender at the Aceli Africa Uganda Stakeholder Roundtable, held this month in the capital. The accolade places the institution at the forefront of agricultural financing solutions as Uganda accelerates efforts to build resilient rural economies and broaden financial inclusion.
The award, presented before more than 100 delegates including representatives from the Bank of Uganda, the Uganda Bankers Association, commercial lenders, impact investors, and development partners — celebrates Pearl Bank’s innovative approach to supporting smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader agricultural value chain.
At the same event, Julius Akais, Pearl Bank’s Supervisor for Agriculture and Partnerships, was singled out as the Agri-SME Lending Champion for his leadership in expanding access to credit for previously underserved agripreneurs.
Since reorienting its strategy toward the “missing middle” of Uganda’s agrarian economy, Pearl Bank has posted remarkable results. According to the bank’s Managing Director, Julius Kakeeto, the institution’s agricultural portfolio has surged by approximately 180 percent since 2020, driven by tailored seasonal working capital loans, risk-sharing arrangements, and strategic partnerships that align with government initiatives like the Agriculture Credit Facility. This growth, he says, reflects a deep commitment to climate-smart practices, rural empowerment, and sustainable productivity.
“The recognition from Aceli Africa underscores Pearl Bank’s mission to bridge the financing gap in Uganda’s cornerstone sector,” Kakeeto noted, stressing that agriculture remains the backbone of national food security, employment, and export growth.
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