FEATURE STORY: Ruth Ajuna is living proof of how determination and access to the right financial support can transform lives. A farmer and entrepreneur from Hoima District, Ruth has cultivated a thriving business in sugarcane, coffee, and lentils since 2008, driven by a desire to support her family and provide her children with a brighter future. However, like many women entrepreneurs in Uganda, Ruth faced significant obstacles in expanding her farming operations and completing her rental property project.
Despite her hard work, Ruth lacked the capital to take her business to the next level. Initial attempts to secure loans from other banks left her disheartened, with delays and insufficient support adding to her frustration. Then, one day, a TV program introduced her to the GROW loan, provided through dfcu Bank, and a solution specifically designed to address the needs of women entrepreneurs.
The Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project is a Government of Uganda Project funded by the World Bank and jointly implemented by PSFU (GROW Project Team) and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. dfcu Bank is Implementing a component of the Project – GROW Financing Facility (GFF).
As an implementing Financial Institution for the project, dfcu Bank continues to build on its legacy of supporting female entrepreneurship through offering tailored solutions that address their unique challenges. Through the Women in Business (WiB) program, launched in 2007, dfcu has supported over 85,000 women and trained over 800 women across Uganda with financial resources, mentorship, and training to grow their enterprises. To date, dfcu has disbursed close to UGX 8 billion in GROW loans to 113 women entrepreneurs.
Ruth’s experience with dfcu’s GROW loan stands out. “The process was fast, the customer care was excellent, and they gave me regular updates throughout. As a new customer, they guided me and advised me on how to apply. It was so different from the other banks I had tried,” she shared.
With the GROW loan, Ruth purchased fertilizers to boost her crop yields and completed her rental units, which now generate rental income. This additional revenue stream has not only enabled Ruth to repay her loan but has also provided her family with financial stability. For Ruth, the GROW loan was more than just financial support—it was a catalyst for new opportunities and renewed confidence.
The Bank’s longstanding commitment to empowering women in business also includes the establishment of the WiB Centre, a one-stop hub for women entrepreneurs, and the celebrated Rising Woman competition. Since its inception, Rising Woman has empowered thousands of women through proposal writing competitions, regional training sessions, and mentorship programs, with over UGX 120 million awarded in seed capital.
Reflecting on Ruth’s success, Lilian Kahunde, Head of Women in Business at dfcu Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to women entrepreneurs. “Empowering women like Ruth is at the heart of what we do at dfcu Bank. Through initiatives like GROW, we aim to provide not just financial solutions but the mentorship and support systems that women entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges and build thriving businesses. When women succeed, families and communities prosper, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”
Today, Ruth is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right tools and guidance. Her advice to fellow women entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “If you get a loan, use it for what you got it for. Don’t waste it on unnecessary things. That’s the only way you’ll benefit.”
Through the GROW initiative and its wider Women in Business program, dfcu Bank is proving that empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about providing financial services; it is about building resilient businesses, strengthening families, and fostering economic growth across Uganda.
